Dad always fired up the grill to make these before the main event. Just 4 ingredients. A juicy, smoky bite that vanishes before the plates are even set.

These low carb 4-ingredient bacon burger bombs are my kind of pre-game snack: smoky, juicy, and gone before anyone remembers to set out plates. Think of them as mini bacon-wrapped cheeseburgers, no bun in sight, inspired by the backyard grills that fire up all over the Midwest before a big game or cookout. With just ground beef, bacon, cheddar, and a touch of seasoning, they’re straightforward enough for a weeknight but festive enough to feel like the warm-up act before the “main event” on the grill.

Serve these bacon burger bombs hot off the grill or out of the oven on a simple white platter so the char and melted cheddar can really show off. They pair nicely with crisp raw veggies and a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip to keep things low carb, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Offer a small trio of sauces on the side—yellow mustard, sugar-free ketchup, and a garlicky mayo—for dipping. If you’re feeding a crowd, keep a steady batch warm in a low oven while you grill more, and let people grab them as a hearty appetizer before the main course.

Servings: 4

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 works best)

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F / 190–200°C). If using a gas grill, light half the burners to create a hot side and a cooler indirect side. If using charcoal, bank the coals to one side. Lightly oil the grates to help prevent sticking.

Portion the ground beef into 8 equal pieces. Gently shape each portion into a flat patty about 2 to 2 1/2 inches wide. Avoid overworking the meat so it stays tender and juicy.

Place one cube of cheddar cheese in the center of each small patty. Bring the meat up around the cheese and gently seal it to form a tight meatball, completely enclosing the cheese so it doesn’t leak out too quickly on the grill.

Sprinkle the salt and pepper mixture evenly over the outside of each meatball, rolling lightly so the seasoning coats all sides.

Wrap each meatball with one slice of bacon. Start at one end of the ball and spiral the bacon around so it covers as much surface as possible, tucking the end underneath or overlapping it. If needed, secure the bacon with a toothpick, making sure the toothpick is horizontal so it’s easy to grab later.

Place the bacon-wrapped burger bombs on the cooler, indirect side of the grill, seam side down if possible. Close the lid and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning once or twice, until the bacon has started to render and the meat is mostly cooked through.

Move the burger bombs to the hotter direct-heat side of the grill to crisp and char the bacon, about 2–4 minutes total, turning occasionally so all sides become deep golden brown with some charred edges. Watch closely; flare-ups can happen as the bacon fat drips. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.

Transfer the cooked burger bombs to a clean plate and let them rest for 3–5 minutes. The cheese inside will be extremely hot and molten; resting helps it settle slightly so it oozes instead of spurting when bitten. Remove any toothpicks before serving and enjoy while still warm and juicy.

For a slightly different flavor profile, you can swap yellow cheddar for pepper jack, smoked gouda, or a sharp white cheddar, keeping the same cube size so the bombs hold together. If you prefer smaller bites for a party tray, make 12 smaller meatballs instead of 8 and cut the cheese into smaller cubes; reduce the cook time slightly and watch the grill carefully. For oven-baking, place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then broil briefly to crisp the bacon, turning once. To add a subtle kick without extra ingredients, use freshly cracked black pepper generously or choose a sharp, aged cheddar. If you need to prep ahead, form and wrap the burger bombs up to a day in advance and refrigerate tightly covered; bring them out of the fridge about 15–20 minutes before grilling so they cook more evenly. Food safety tips: Always keep raw ground beef refrigerated until you’re ready to form the meatballs, and wash your hands, cutting boards, and any utensils that touch raw meat or bacon before using them for cooked food. Use a food thermometer to ensure the center of the burger bombs reaches at least 160°F (71°C). Let them rest briefly before serving so the molten cheese doesn’t burn your mouth, and discard any leftovers that have been at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s very hot outside at a tailgate or cookout).