If you’re looking for an appetizer or snack that will leave everyone at the table begging for more, look no further than Philly Cheesesteak Bacon Bombs! These bite-sized beauties are packed with all the rich flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but wrapped in a crispy, savory bacon shell. They’re quick to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a game day snack or a fun dinner option. Plus, theyโre so easy to customize! Let’s dive into the details and get your taste buds excited!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Flavorful: In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, flavor-packed treat that’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family.
- Crispy Bacon: Who can resist crispy, smoky bacon wrapped around gooey cheese and seasoned beef? Itโs the perfect combination!
- Customizable: Add or subtract ingredients to your heartโs content! Whether you love extra veggies or want to skip the peppers, this recipe is super adaptable.
Ingredients Youโll Need
These simple ingredients make all the difference in crafting these irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Bacon Bombs. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bacon: The star of the show. Bacon wraps everything up in a crispy, savory package that adds so much flavor. It crisps up wonderfully in the oven and holds everything together.
- Beef: Thinly sliced beef (preferably ribeye or sirloin) is your go-to here. It gives that tender, melt-in-your-mouth cheesesteak flavor. Make sure to cook it until just browned, as itโll cook more when wrapped in bacon.
- Cheese: Provolone or American cheese is a classic for Philly cheesesteaks, melting beautifully inside the bomb. You can also use mozzarella for a slightly milder flavor.
- Bell Peppers: These are optional, but they add a great texture and sweetness to the bombs. Use green, red, or a combinationโtotally up to you!
- Onions: Chopped onions bring in a savory bite that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheese.
- Garlic: A little minced garlic brings the entire filling to life with a punch of flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and maybe a little garlic powder to add depth to the filling.
- Dough: A can of refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough works like a charm for wrapping up the filling. It gives the bombs a soft, pillowy bite that contrasts with the crispy bacon exterior.
Variations
Want to switch things up a bit? Here are a few ways to make these Philly Cheesesteak Bacon Bombs uniquely yours:
- Veggie Lovers: Add mushrooms or spinach to the filling for an extra veggie boost.
- Spicy Kick: For those who like it spicy, toss in some sliced jalapeรฑos or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Different Cheese: Try sharp cheddar or a melty Swiss cheese for a fun twist on the classic flavors.
- Make it a Meal: Serve these bombs with a side of fries or a crisp salad to turn them into a full meal.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Bacon Bombs
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by cooking the beef. Heat a pan over medium heat, add a touch of oil, and cook your thinly sliced beef until browned and cooked through. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic, and sautรฉ for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Bombs
Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF. Take your biscuit dough (or pizza dough) and roll it out into small circles, enough to wrap around your filling. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center, top with a slice of cheese, and then carefully fold the dough around the filling, sealing it tightly.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Wrap each dough ball with two slices of bacon, making sure to secure it well. This will create a crispy outer layer once baked. You can secure the bacon with toothpicks if necessary.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the bacon-wrapped bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the dough is golden brown. You can also broil the bombs for a couple of minutes at the end to get that extra crispy bacon finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. These bombs are best enjoyed while warm, when the cheese is melty and gooey inside.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Thinly Sliced Beef: Thin slices of beef cook quickly and meld beautifully with the other ingredients. Ribeye is the best choice for tenderness and flavor, but any tender cut will work.
- Donโt Overstuff: Itโs tempting, but too much filling can make it difficult to seal the dough properly. A spoonful of filling is all you need.
- Crispy Bacon: To get that perfect crispy bacon texture, ensure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the dough and bake it until it’s golden brown.
- Bacon Wrapping Tip: If the bacon is not crisping up, you can broil the bombs for 1-2 minutes at the end to get that irresistible crispy edge.
How to Serve
These Philly Cheesesteak Bacon Bombs are perfect on their own as a snack, appetizer, or game day food. But here are a few ideas for extra deliciousness:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve them with a side of creamy ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or a zesty marinara for dipping.
- Pair with Fries: If you want to turn this into a full meal, serve these bombs with some crispy fries or potato wedges.
- Fresh Salad: Pair with a light, fresh salad to balance out the rich flavors of the bacon and cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Philly Cheesesteak Bacon Bombs store beautifully in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled bombs before baking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the bombs in a 350ยฐF oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the bacon wonโt stay quite as crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone and American are traditional for a Philly cheesesteak, feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
2. Can I use ground beef instead of thinly sliced steak?
Yes, ground beef works as a substitute, but be sure to season it well to mimic the cheesesteak flavor. You might also want to cook it a little longer to get a good texture.
3. Can I make these vegetarian?
Sure! Swap out the beef for sautรฉed mushrooms, or use a meatless alternative like plant-based ground beef. Add in your favorite veggies for a hearty, satisfying filling.
4. How do I get the bacon extra crispy?
To ensure crispy bacon, make sure the bacon is tightly wrapped and the bombs are baked until golden brown. If needed, broil the bombs for the last couple of minutes to get that perfect crisp.
Final Thoughts
Philly Cheesesteak Bacon Bombs are a game-changing snack that brings together everything we love about cheesesteaks, with the added bonus of crispy bacon! Whether youโre serving them for a special occasion, a casual dinner, or just because, theyโre sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a cheesy, bacon-wrapped treat that will wow everyone!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Bacon Bombs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 10 bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Bacon-wrapped biscuit bites filled with seasoned steak, onion and gooey cheddar cheese โ perfect as a handheld appetizer or game-day snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups canola oil (for frying)
- 2 cans (10-12 biscuits total, ~6 oz each) refrigerated flaky biscuit dough
- 1/2 cup diced purple onion
- 1 cup diced cooked beef steak strips
- 5 oz white cheddar cheese, cut into 10 cubes
- 5 slices bacon, each cut in half crosswise
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- In a separate skillet over medium heat, sautรฉ the onion until softened. Add beef, season with salt and pepper, cook briefly, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Separate biscuit dough into rounds and flatten each one.
- Place about 1 tablespoon beef-onion mixture onto each round and top with a cheddar cube.
- Gather the dough edges around the filling and pinch to seal completely.
- Wrap each sealed dough ball with one half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Carefully drop the bombs into the hot oil; fry 4โ5 minutes, turning as needed until bacon is crispy and dough golden.
- Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can bake them at 400ยฐF for 10โ12 minutes instead of frying; brush with oil before baking.
- Use leftover steak strips or quick-cooked sirloin slices for convenience.
- To keep bacon extra crispy, bake on a rack after frying for a few minutes.
- Serve with dipping sauces like cheese sauce, ketchup, or spicy aioli.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1170 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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