Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are bite-sized pockets filled with juicy cheeseburger goodness wrapped in garlicky, buttery dough. You get the perfect mix of savory ground beef, melted cheese, and a hint of garlic parmesan that makes every bite a little celebration of flavors. If you love cheeseburgers, but want something easy to share or snack on, these bombs are exactly that.
I love making these for game day or casual get-togethers because they’re so simple to eat and everyone always asks for seconds. My favorite tip is to brush the tops with that garlic butter mixture right before baking — it gives the dough a golden color and adds extra flavor that makes the bombs irresistible. Plus, they bake up fast and smell amazing while they cook.
I usually serve these with a side of ketchup or your favorite burger sauce, and sometimes a simple salad to balance it out. It’s fun to see people’s faces when they bite into them and get that warm, cheesy surprise. These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs always make me smile, and I hope they bring a little extra joy to your table too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: Using 80/20 beef (20% fat) works best for juicy filling. For a leaner or healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken, but add a bit of olive oil to keep them moist.
Biscuit dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough saves time, but you can swap with pizza dough or homemade bread dough if you prefer a different texture.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor and melts nicely. Feel free to mix with mozzarella for extra gooeyness or use pepper jack for a little spice.
Garlic butter topping: The combo of butter, garlic, and Parmesan is what adds golden color and flavor to the crust. If you can’t do dairy, try olive oil with garlic and nutritional yeast as a cheesy substitute.
How Can I Seal the Dough So the Filling Doesn’t Leak Out?
Sealing the dough well is key to keeping all the delicious filling inside as they bake. Here are some tips to get it right:
- Flatten the dough evenly to about 4 inches so it can fold over easily without stretching thin.
- Don’t overfill the bombs—about 2 tablespoons of filling is enough.
- Moisten the edges with a little water before pinching them together; this helps the dough stick firmly.
- Pinch the seams tightly and press down so no gaps remain. You can also fold the edges like a little pleat if you want extra security.
- Place bombs seam-side down on the baking sheet to help them stay closed while baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend using parchment paper-lined to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Skillet – for browning the beef and onions, a good non-stick or stainless-steel skillet works well.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the garlic butter and preparing the filling.
- Basting brush – to evenly spread the garlic Parmesan butter over the bombs.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate ingredients, especially the cheese and butter.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for cooked sausage or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Add cooked bacon pieces or jalapeños inside the filling for extra flavor and a bit of heat.
- Mix in different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a different melt/pull factor.
- Sprinkle with chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or basil on top before baking for fresh flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tube refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 biscuits)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
- Optional: ketchup or burger sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. In total, expect around 35 minutes from start to finish — perfect for a quick and tasty snack or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Break the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute or two until you smell the garlic, then take the pan off the heat and let it cool a bit.
2. Prepare the Dough and Fill:
On a clean surface, flatten each biscuit dough round into a circle about 4 inches wide. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled beef mixture into the center of each circle. Then add a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
3. Seal and Shape the Bombs:
Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch firmly to seal it inside. Make sure there are no gaps so the filling stays inside while baking. Place each sealed ball seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Add Garlic Parmesan Butter and Bake:
Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Brush this flavorful mixture over the tops of each dough ball generously. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Take the bombs out of the oven and sprinkle them with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve warm with ketchup, burger sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious treat.
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough for This Recipe?
It’s best to use refrigerated biscuit dough that’s fully thawed before starting. If your dough is frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge or for about 30 minutes at room temperature until soft and pliable.
Can I Make Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bombs, place them on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty.
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
You can swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses depending on your taste. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep that gooey, cheesy surprise inside.