Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Cut off the tops and bottoms of the onions, and peel them.
- Carefully create a small hole in the top of each onion, then remove the inner layers to form a bowl, leaving a few outer layers intact.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, breadcrumbs, barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Pack each onion tightly with the stuffing mixture.
- Place the filled onions on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and the onions are tender.
- Brush the tops with additional barbecue sauce and broil for a few minutes until caramelized.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy these sticky delights hot!
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these Sticky Bang-Bang Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Onion Bombs straight from the oven for an inviting presentation. Pair them with a simple side salad for a balanced meal, or serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Beer or a refreshing iced tea are excellent drink choices to complement the richness of this dish. You can even turn it into a playful appetizer, making mini versions to serve at parties!
Keeping leftovers fresh
Should you have any leftovers (which is rare!), these onion bombs can easily be stored. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze them before cooking. Just thaw them in the fridge and bake as directed for a delicious meal anytime!
Helpful cooking tips
- Choose the right onion: Yellow onions are sweeter and perfect for this dish, but you can also experiment with sweet onions for an extra kick.
- Cook bacon beforehand: Ensure your bacon is crispy before mixing it with other ingredients; this adds that satisfying crunch.
- Tightly pack filling: The more tightly you pack the stuffing, the better the onion bombs will hold their shape during baking.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with your stuffing! Add jalapeños for some heat, mix in different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda, or even throw in some sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture. You can also explore using ground chicken or sausage instead of beef for a slightly different taste.
Common questions
What is the prep time for Sticky Bang-Bang Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Onion Bombs?
The total prep time is around 20-30 minutes if you’re quick in the kitchen. With baking time included, the entire process takes about an hour.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the onions in advance. Just keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. They can also be frozen, uncooked, for later enjoyment.
How do I ensure my leftovers are safe to eat?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Always reheat until hot and do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Enjoy creating these Sticky Bang-Bang Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Onion Bombs, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “delicious!”
