Italian Meatball Bacon Bombs

The ultimate crowd-pleaser—juicy meatballs wrapped in crispy bacon, smothered in marinara, and oozing with melted cheese.

Perfect for game day, parties, or when you just need a little indulgence!

How to Make Italian Meatball Bacon Bombs

Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

1. Prep the Meatball Mixture
Combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings in a bowl. Mix gently—don’t overwork it, or your meatballs will be tough!

2. Shape and Stuff the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, then press a cube of mozzarella into the center of each. Reshape to fully enclose the cheese—no sneaky leaks!

3. Wrap ‘Em in Bacon
Carefully wrap each meatball with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Pro tip: Stretch the bacon slightly so it crisps evenly.

4. Bake to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a rack over a baking sheet (for maximum crispiness!) and bake until the bacon is golden and the meatballs are cooked through.

5. Dunk in Marinara & Serve
Warm up marinara sauce, then either drizzle it over the bombs or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color!

Pro Tips

Cheese Swap: Use provolone or pepper jack for a different kick.
Extra Crispy? Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—watch closely!
Shortcut: Use pre-made meatballs (just thaw and wrap in bacon).
No Toothpicks? Tuck bacon ends underneath the meatball before baking.

Storage

Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (10 mins) or air fryer (5 mins) to revive crispiness.
Freeze: Freeze unbaked bombs on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen (+5-10 mins).

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Rest Time 5 mins

Total Time 50 mins

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian Delights

Courses: Appetizers & Snacks, Main Courses

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 12

Calories: 320

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary: Nut Free

Description

Juicy Italian-style meatballs stuffed with melty mozzarella, wrapped in smoky bacon, and served with warm marinara for dipping. Perfect for parties or a fun weeknight treat!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
12 cubes mozzarella (½-inch)
12 slices bacon (thin-cut works best)
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2
Mix meatball ingredients (beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, seasoning, salt) in a bowl until just combined.
3
Form meatballs (about 1.5 oz each), press a mozzarella cube into the center, and reshape to seal.
4
Wrap each meatball with bacon, securing with a toothpick. Place seam-side down on the rack.
5
Bake 20-25 mins until bacon is crisp and meatballs reach 160°F internally.
6
Heat marinara in a saucepan or microwave. Drizzle over bombs or serve on the side.
7
Garnish & serve immediately!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g37%
Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
Protein 18g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Gluten-free? Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour.
Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Make ahead: Assemble unbaked bombs and refrigerate overnight.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.

Keywords: bacon-wrapped meatballs, Italian appetizers, cheesy meatballs, game day food

Read it online: https://shortcuttodelicious.com/recipe/italian-meatball-bacon-bombs/