Description
Craving a snack that’s as fun as a 4th of July fireworks show and packed with burger goodness? These Big Mac Cheeseburger Bombs are your ultimate treat! Imagine juicy ground beef, melty American cheese, tangy pickles, and onions, all wrapped in soft dinner roll dough and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
A batch of Big Mac Cheeseburger Bombs needs simple ingredients for 24 bombs (serves 8-12). Here’s what you’ll need:
-
Main Ingredients:
-
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
-
½ tsp onion powder
-
½ tsp garlic salt
-
½ tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
⅓ cup finely minced or grated white onion
-
⅓ cup finely chopped dill pickles
-
½ lb block of American cheese
-
1 package (24) frozen dinner rolls
-
1 large egg, beaten
-
Sesame seeds for garnish
-
Why it matters: Ground beef mimics a burger patty; seasonings and onion add Big Mac flavor; pickles bring tang; American cheese melts perfectly; rolls create a soft bun-like shell; egg and sesame seeds give a classic burger bun look.
-
Substitutions: Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for beef. Swap American cheese for cheddar or pepper jack. Use homemade dinner roll dough (about 1.5 lbs). Replace dill pickles with sweet pickles or chopped jalapeños for a kick.
-
-
Optional Patriotic Add-Ins (for 4th of July):
-
Red dipping sauce (e.g., ketchup or sriracha mayo)
-
White dipping sauce (e.g., ranch or Big Mac special sauce)
-
Blue dipping sauce (e.g., blue cheese or blue-dyed sour cream)
-
Cherry tomatoes (red) and mozzarella balls (white) for garnish
-
Why it matters: Creates a festive red, white, and blue presentation to celebrate Independence Day.
-
Substitutions: Use diced red bell peppers (red) or yogurt dip (white). Serve with a blueberry chutney (blue).
-
Tip: Finely mince onions and pickles for even distribution in the meat mixture. Thaw dinner rolls in the fridge overnight for easy handling. Use a block of American cheese for better melting than pre-sliced.
Instructions
Step 1: Thaw the Dough
-
Thaw 24 frozen dinner rolls according to package instructions (typically 2-3 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge).
-
Tip: Place rolls on a tray covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Check they’re soft but not risen too much.
-
Step 2: Prep the Oven and Pan
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Line a rimmed sheet pan (about 13×18-inch) with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
-
Tip: Use a half-sheet pan for even baking. Parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
-
Step 3: Mix the Meat Filling
-
In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic salt, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ⅓ cup minced white onion, and ⅓ cup chopped dill pickles.
-
Mix thoroughly by hand until well blended.
-
Tip: Mix gently to avoid compacting the beef, which keeps the filling tender. Ensure pickles and onions are finely chopped for even texture.
-
Step 4: Form the Cheese-Stuffed Meat Balls
-
Divide the meat mixture into 24 equal sections (about 1 tbsp each).
-
Slice ½ lb American cheese into 24 chunks (about ½-inch cubes).
-
Flatten each meat section into a small circle, place a cheese chunk in the center, and roll the meat around it to form a ball, sealing the cheese inside.
-
Tip: Pinch seams tightly to prevent cheese leakage. Keep balls uniform for even cooking.
-
Step 5: Brown the Meat Balls
-
Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a touch of oil (optional).
-
Briefly brown the cheese-stuffed meat balls on each side (about 1-2 minutes per side), maintaining their shape. Do not cook through.
-
Set aside to cool slightly.
-
Tip: Brown lightly to enhance flavor without fully cooking; they’ll finish in the oven. Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking.
-
Step 6: Wrap the Meat Balls in Dough
-
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one thawed dinner roll into a circle slightly larger than a meat ball (about 3-4 inches).
-
Place a browned meat ball in the center and wrap the dough around it, pinching the bottom to seal tightly.
-
Place seam-side down on the prepared sheet pan. Repeat for all 24 bombs.
-
Tip: Dust hands with flour to prevent sticking. Seal dough well to keep cheese inside during baking.
-
Step 7: Add Egg Wash and Garnish
-
Brush the tops and sides of each bomb with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
-
Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a classic burger bun look.
-
Tip: Use a pastry brush for even egg wash. Add extra sesame seeds for a bold, Big Mac-inspired appearance.
-
Step 8: Bake and Serve
-
Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
-
Serve immediately with Big Mac special sauce (mix mayo, ketchup, relish, and a splash of vinegar) or patriotic dips like ketchup (red), ranch (white), and blue cheese (blue).
-
Garnish with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for a 4th of July flair.
-
Tip: Check doneness by tapping a bomb; it should sound hollow. Serve hot for melty cheese.
-