These mini bacon cheeseburger bites are perfect for parties or a fun snack! Juicy beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese come together in tiny, tasty bites.
Honestly, who can resist this combo? I love serving them with dipping sauces so everyone can customize their little burgers. They disappear fast—I can barely keep up! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness. If you’re going leaner, like 90/10, you might need to add a bit of oil to keep the patties moist.
Bacon: You can swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary—keep an eye on it!
Biscuit Dough: Store-bought biscuit dough is super easy and time-saving. For a homemade touch, you can make your own dough. Just look for a simple biscuit recipe online!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for its strong flavor. If cheddar isn’t your thing, pepper jack adds a nice kick, or you could use mozzarella for a milder option.
Green Onions: These are great for garnish but feel free to skip them or use chives. They add a nice pop of color and flavor!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Cooked Bacon for Cheeseburger Bites?
The secret to crispy yet flexible bacon is to cook it just enough to render some fat while keeping it pliable. Here’s how:
- Cook bacon in a skillet on medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Alternatively, place it in the oven at 400°F for about 6 minutes.
- Remove the bacon when it’s slightly undercooked; it’ll finish cooking in the oven with the bites.
- Drain it on paper towels to absorb excess grease, which helps it crisp up nicely later.
Don’t rush this step! The right bacon gives an amazing flavor to your bites.
What’s the Best Way to Form and Cook the Mini Burger Patties?
These mini patties should be just the right size to fit into your dough cups. Here’s a quick guide:
- First, mix the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This adds great flavor.
- Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions, approximately the size of a golf ball, then gently shape them into patties.
- When placing them in the biscuit dough, press down slightly to ensure they fit snugly.
This way, the patties cook evenly and stay juicy while the biscuits become perfectly golden!
Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Bites:
- 12 mini biscuit dough rounds (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Lettuce and tomato for garnish (optional)
- Dipping sauce of choice (e.g. special sauce, ketchup, or aioli)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Within this time, you’ll mix, assemble, and bake your delicious mini bacon cheeseburger bites. Just enough time to prepare a fun snack for your friends or family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure your bites cook evenly and turn out deliciously crispy. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or use silicone liners to make removal easier later on.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Next, take your bacon slices and cook them partially on the stovetop over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes or in the oven at 400°F for about 6 minutes. You want them crisping up but still a bit flexible. Once cooked, drain them on paper towels to remove excess grease.
3. Make the Biscuit Bases:
Take your mini biscuit rounds and flatten each one slightly. Press them into the bottom and up the sides of the mini muffin cups, which will create little crust shells for your cheeseburger bites. Make sure they’re well-formed to hold all your ingredients!
4. Form the Mini Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined. Next, shape the mixture into small patties, about the size that will fit snugly inside your biscuit cups. You should be able to make about 12 small patties.
5. Assemble Your Bites:
Place one mini patty into each biscuit shell. Now, take a half slice of your already cooked bacon and either wrap it around the patty or lay it flat on top. This adds that classic cheeseburger flavor!
6. Bake Them Up:
Pop your muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for around 15 minutes. You want to keep an eye on them until the biscuit dough is golden brown and the beef patties are cooked through. It’s cooking time!
7. Add the Cheese:
Once baked, take the bites out of the oven and immediately top each one with a slice or sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Return them to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully over the top.
8. Garnish and Serve:
After they’re out and the cheese is all melty, carefully remove the bites from the muffin tin. Sprinkle the tops with chopped green onions for a pop of color. Serve them warm with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your mini bacon cheeseburger bites! They make a fantastic appetizer or a fun snack that your friends and family will love! 🎉🍔
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for the beef! Keep in mind that turkey tends to dry out more, so adding a bit of olive oil or using dark meat turkey can help maintain juiciness.
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and black beans as the filling. Just make sure to check that your biscuit dough is vegetarian-friendly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover mini bacon cheeseburger bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to keep that crispy texture.
Can I Freeze These Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking! Just assemble the bites according to the recipe, then place the muffin tin in the freezer until they’re solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
