Hello, burger enthusiasts! I’m Meriem, your passionate chef and food blogger, and I’m excited to share a recipe that’s a fun, bite-sized twist on a classic burger: Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are everything you love about a burger — in a compact, golden, flavor-packed bite. With juicy ground beef, melty cheddar, and a decadent garlic-Parmesan butter brushing each bun, this 30-minute recipe is destined to become your new party favorite or weeknight staple.
Drawing from your love for savory, cheesy recipes (like the Sourdough Bacon Cheddar Scones, and Crock Pot Meatloaf) and flavorful bites (like the Ground Beef Ramen Skillet ), these cheeseburger bombs are a must-try. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Bombs Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Just 30 minutes start to finish.
- Kid-Friendly – No mess, handheld, and packed with cheesy goodness.
- Customizable – Switch cheeses, herbs, or protein for endless versions.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and reheat as needed.
- Perfect for Parties – Serve these at game day, potlucks, or casual dinners.
What you will need + Substitutions
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | Mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | 1 tsp garlic powder (in a pinch) |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp, chopped | Dried parsley (½ tbsp) or fresh basil |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp, melted | Olive oil or plant-based margarine |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup | Pecorino Romano or Asiago |
| Slider buns | 12 | Hawaiian rolls or mini brioche buns |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Sea salt or garlic salt |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | Cracked pepper or chili flakes for spice |
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pro Tips
Preheat and Prepare
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even browning.
Tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated for even baking
Cook the Patties
- In a bowl, season 1 lb ground beef with salt and black pepper.
- Form into 12 mini patties.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Press your thumb lightly into each patty before cooking to prevent them from puffing.
Assemble the Bottom Buns
- Slice buns in half and place the bottoms on the baking sheet.
- Place 1 cooked patty on each bottom half.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over each patty.
💡 Tip: Want a gooey cheese pull? Use a cheese blend including mozzarella.
Prep the Garlic Butter
- Mix together:
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
💡 Tip: Let the butter sit for 5 minutes to deepen flavor before brushing.
Top and Bake
- Brush the top buns with garlic-Parmesan butter and place them on the sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until buns are golden brown and cheese is melty.
💡 Tip: Place a second baking sheet over the top during baking for ultra-crispy tops.
💡 Tip: Check at 8 minutes to avoid overbrowning; ovens vary,
Serve and Enjoy
- Stack the cheesy patties with their top buns.
- Serve hot — with dipping sauces or as-is.
What to Serve With
- Garlic Parmesan Fries: Crispy and classic for burger vibes.
- Coleslaw: Creamy or tangy for a refreshing side.
- Pickle Spears: Crunchy and tart for balance.
- Chili Cheese Dip or Ranch Dressing
- Fresh Corn Salad
- Lemonade
- Soda: Cola
Nutritional Information (Per Bomb – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Sodium | 430 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
- Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Freeze:
- Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight or reheat from frozen.
To Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes
- Microwave: 45–60 seconds on high (cover with damp towel)
- Air Fryer: 325°F for 5 minutes
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Ground Beef → Ground Turkey: Leaner protein alternative.
- Cheddar Cheese → Mozzarella: Milder, stretchy cheese.
- Garlic → Garlic Powder: Convenient, milder flavor.
- Butter → Olive Oil: Dairy-free topping base.
- Slider Buns → Hawaiian Rolls: Sweet, soft substitute.
Variations
- Spicy Bombs: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Sliced Pickles: Tangy and crunchy for classic burger vibes.
- Hot Sauce Drizzle: Bold and fiery for spice enthusiasts.
- Extra Cheese: More cheddar or a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Bacon Bombs: Add crumbled cooked bacon on top of the patty before baking.
- BBQ Style: Mix BBQ sauce into the beef or drizzle before serving.
- Stuffed Patties: Fill the beef with cheese for a molten center.
- Breakfast Bombs: Use sausage and scrambled egg instead of beef.
FAQs
Can I make cheeseburger bombs ahead of time?
Yes! Cook patties and assemble sandwiches, but bake just before serving for best texture.
Can I use crescent dough instead of buns for cheeseburger bombs?
Absolutely. Wrap the beef and cheese in crescent dough and brush with garlic butter before baking.
What cheese melts best for this?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or provolone offers excellent meltability.
Are cheeseburger bombs freezer-friendly?
Yes, cool fully and freeze individually. Reheat in an oven or air fryer.
Can I make vegetarian cheeseburger bombs?
Use plant-based beef or a large portobello mushroom and omit or sub dairy cheeses.
Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Skillet (for cooking patties)
- Large mixing bowl (for butter topping)
- Spatula or tongs (for patties)
- Pastry brush (for butter topping)
- Knife (for slicing buns)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Optional: Meat thermometer (for patty doneness)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 slider buns
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season ground beef with salt and black pepper, then form into 12 small patties; cook in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then set aside.
- Slice slider buns in half, place a patty on each bottom half, and top with shredded cheddar cheese; place the top halves on the baking sheet beside them.
- Mix melted butter with minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley, then brush generously over the tops of the buns.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden and glossy.
- Assemble by placing the cheesy patties between the buns and serve warm.
If you’re craving all the best parts of a cheeseburger — juicy beef, melty cheese, buttery buns — but want it all wrapped into a single bite, Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are your dream come true. They’re fast, fun, and full of flavor, making them ideal for gatherings, game days, or just a satisfying weekday dinner.
Let me know if you’d like a printable card or shareable graphic for Pinterest or Instagram!
