These Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites are an absolute game-changer for any gathering! They’re not just cute and creative; they’re irresistibly delicious and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect as the ultimate finger food for football season, these savory mini-burgers are sure to score big with your friends and family. Get ready to elevate your party snack game!

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Ultimate Game Day Appetizer: Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

Football season is finally here, and with it comes the exciting tradition of tailgating and watch parties! As the crisp autumn air settles in, our weekends become dedicated to cheering on our favorite teams, and what better way to celebrate than with a lineup of mouth-watering game day grub? Over the next few months, prepare for an abundance of fun, food, and unforgettable moments shared with fellow fans.

When you’re planning your tailgates and home watch parties, you absolutely must add these incredible bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites to your menu. They are surprisingly easy to prepare, yet they deliver a gourmet punch of flavor that will impress everyone. These mini cheeseburgers are not only a joy to make, but they’re even more fun to eat, making them a perfect fit for any casual or festive occasion.

Why Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites are a Touchdown for Your Taste Buds

While “cute” might not be the first word you associate with robust football food, these little appetizers undeniably fit the bill! They are the most perfect, adorable, and incredibly satisfying bites for a hungry crowd. Imagine the classic flavors of a cheeseburger, but in a convenient, handheld form, elevated by the smoky, crispy embrace of bacon.

Each bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bite features a perfectly cooked, juicy, bite-sized beef patty, topped with gooey melted cheese. This delectable core is then nestled with a fresh piece of crisp lettuce, a thin slice of ripe tomato, and a tangy dill pickle, all wrapped snugly in a strip of slightly crisp, baked bacon. A simple toothpick secures each mini masterpiece, making them effortless to pick up and pop into your mouth. It’s the ultimate bunless bacon cheeseburger experience, ready for a dunk in your favorite ketchup or mustard.

Perfect for Any Game Day or Party

These bacon-wrapped delights are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They embody the spirit of communal eating, making them ideal for circulating among guests at a lively tailgate or as the star of your home watch party spread. The convenience of a toothpick means no messy fingers, just pure, unadulterated enjoyment of savory flavors. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free if you omit the bun, catering to a wider range of dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re hosting a massive gathering or a cozy get-together, these bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites are guaranteed to disappear quickly. Their unique presentation and familiar, comforting flavors make them an instant hit. They combine the best elements of a classic burger – the rich beef, the sharp cheese, and the fresh crunch of vegetables – all complemented by the salty, smoky goodness of bacon. Who wouldn’t love these?

Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

Creating these delightful bites is straightforward, but a few tips can ensure they turn out absolutely perfect every time. First, let’s talk about the bacon. Using a center-cut, thin-sliced bacon is key. It cooks more evenly and crisps up beautifully without overwhelming the burger patty. Baking the bacon on a rack over a foil-lined baking sheet allows the fat to drip away, resulting in crispy bacon without the mess of pan-frying. Don’t overcook it initially; it will continue to crisp when wrapped around the burger.

For the beef patties, lean ground beef works best to prevent too much grease, but don’t shy away from seasoning generously with salt and pepper. These tiny patties need bold flavor. When forming the 1-tablespoon sized balls, aim for uniform size so they cook evenly. Flattening them slightly with your thumb creates the ideal shape for wrapping and topping. As for the cheese, thinly sliced cheddar or American cheese melts beautifully. A donut hole cutter is a brilliant hack for perfectly sized cheese circles, but cutting small squares works just as well.

Cooking the patties quickly in a hot non-stick skillet ensures a good sear while keeping the inside juicy. The trick to perfectly melted cheese is to place a lid or baking sheet over the pan for the last minute or so of cooking, creating a steamy environment that melts the cheese without overcooking the burger. Once everything is ready, the assembly is like building a mini-burger masterpiece. Layering the lettuce, cheeseburger, pickle, and tomato before wrapping with bacon creates a balanced bite. Secure firmly with a toothpick, and you’re all set.

These bite-sized wonders are incredibly versatile. While ketchup and mustard are classic dipping choices, consider offering a variety of sauces like a spicy aioli, ranch dressing, or even a homemade burger sauce. For an extra kick, add a thin slice of jalapeño or a tiny dollop of caramelized onion. Serve them fresh and warm, and watch as they become the undeniable star of your appetizer spread. Your guests will be raving about these Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites long after the final whistle blows!

So, get ready to score big with your fellow football fans! Bring these incredible bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites to your next tailgate or watch party, and be sure to grab a few for yourself before they quickly disappear. Whether your team wins or loses, you’ll definitely win the best grub game!

Enjoy & Happy Football Season! May the best teams (aka The Sooners & The Cowboys) win! Go team!

xoxo,

Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
5 from 2 reviews

Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 32
Category: Appetizer

Print Recipe

Description

These bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites are cute, creative and crowd-pleasing! Perfect finger food for football season!

Ingredients

32 thin slices center cut bacon
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound thinly sliced cheddar or American cheese
lettuce
13–15 larger cherry tomatoes, sliced into thin rounds
32 dill pickle slices
32 toothpicks
ketchup & mustard, for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack snuggly into it. Spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray. Place the bacon slices out on the rack. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until cooked all the way through and just starting to crisp on the outside. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly, making sure to drain any excess fat.
Meanwhile, divide the ground beef into 1 tablespoon-sized balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should have about 32 balls. Flatten each ball slightly with your thumb to form small patties. Generously season both sides of each beef patty with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Using a donut hole cutter (or a small round cookie cutter), slice the cheese into small circles. Alternatively, cut the cheese into small squares that will fit over the beef patties. You should aim for 32 small rounds or squares of cheese.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place as many beef patties onto the skillet as will fit in a single layer without crowding. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the bottoms of the beef patties start to brown and a slight crust forms. Flip each patty over and immediately place a slice of cheese on the cooked side of the patty. Place a lid or a baking sheet over the pan (without it touching the cheese) and let cook for about 2 minutes more, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and the patties are cooked through to your desired doneness. Repeat with remaining patties.
To assemble your Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites, lay out a piece of cooked bacon on a clean surface. Place a small piece of lettuce in the middle, followed by one cheesy beef patty, a dill pickle slice, and a thin cherry tomato round. Carefully wrap the bacon up and around the cheeseburger and its toppings, then secure the entire bite with a toothpick. Repeat this process with all remaining ingredients until you have 32 delicious bites.
Arrange the finished bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites on a platter and serve immediately with bowls of ketchup and mustard for dipping. Enjoy the ultimate game day finger food!

In celebration of football season, I’ve joined a group of fellow football-loving food bloggers to bring you 64 incredible tailgating recipe ideas that are sure to make your game day gatherings truly spectacular! Click on their links below for all the yumminess and inspiration. You’ll be perfectly set for the entire season with this amazing collection!

Spicy Mexican Cheese Dip by 2 Cookin Mamas
Salsa Verde by A Dish of Daily Life
Skillet Sausage Dip by A Joyfully Mad Kitchen
Sausage, Peppers + Onions Pigs in a Blanket by A Little Gathering
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers by A Mind Full Mom
Beer & Brats Bake by A Simpler Grace
Black Bottom Maple Pecan Pie Bars by An Oregon Cottage
Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings by And She Cooks
Blackberry BBQ Sticky Wings by Around My Family Table
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread by Beer Girl Cooks
Black Bean & Corn Salsa by Body Rebooted
Roasted Garlic BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe by Bread Booze Bacon
Smoky Jalapeno Poppers by Brunch-n-Bites
Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos by Bucket List Tummy
Deconstructed Smoked Chicken Chile Relleno by Cafe Terra
Chicken Spinach & Artichoke Dip French Bread by Cake ‘n Knife
Cuban Sandwich Quesadillas by Casa de Crews
Grilled Asparagus Spears by Celebrating Family
Sweet and Salty Blueberry Popcorn by Club Narwhal
Buffalo Chicken Poppers by Coffee Love Travel
Sea Bass Skewers + Blackbeard Cocktails by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Buffalo Chicken Poppers by Dash of Herbs
Easy chicken roll ups with cream cheese and veggies by Family Food on the Table
Bottled Tailgate Cocktails by Feast + West
The Best Tex-Mex Arrachera Fajitas by Foodal
Loaded Guacamole by foodbyjonister
Cincinnati Nachos by Foodtastic Mom
Cajun Red Beans and Andouille Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms by For the Love of Food
Grilled Shrimp Pizza by Glisten and Grace
Mini Bell Pepper Nachos by Hello Little Home
Slow Cooker Sweet Spicy Meatballs by Honey & Birch
BBQ Chicken Wontons by Lauren’s Kitchen
Loaded Tailgate Tots by Life’s Ambrosia
Ricotta & Fig Bites by Living Well Kitchen
Tailgate Tacos by Lizzy is Dizzy
Nashville Hot Chicken Wings by Loaves & Dishes
Cincinnati Chili Dip by Love & Flour
{Slow Cooker} BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches by Love Bakes Good Cakes
Tailgate Bloody Marys by Loves Food, Loves to Eat
Sweet Korean Chicken Wings by Macheesmo
Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots by Me and My Pink Mixer
Beer Sangria by Mixplorology
Crab Pretzels by Mom’s Messy Miracles
Hot Bacon Dip by Nik Snacks
Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar by Off the Eaten Path
Chowder Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers by Order in the Kitchen
Old Fashioned Sweet by Peanut Blossom
Baked Mac and Cheese Cups by Polka Dotted Blue Jay
Texas Toothpicks with Buttermilk Ranch by See Aimee Cook
Pretzel Turkey Meatballs (GF, DF, SF) by Shaws Simple Swaps
Hearty Vegetable Chili by Simple and Savory
Focaccia Pizza by Simplify, Live, Love
Sweet Potato Skins Stuffed with BBQ Ranch Pulled Pork by Sustaining the Powers
Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites by The BakerMama
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad by The Creative Bite
German Potato Skins by The Crumby Cupcake
Old Bay Trail Mix by The Culinary Compass
Meat Lover’s Pizza Bites by The Life Jolie
Raspberry Chipotle Black Bean Dip by The Mexitalian
Grilled Asian Chicken Wings & Shishito Peppers by The Secret Ingredient Is
Blackened Shrimp Tacos by The Speckled Palate
Honeydew Melon Refresher by Two Places at Once
Grilled Sauerkraut Stuffed Brats by West via Midwest
Sausage Apple and Sage Hand Pies by What A Girl Eats

Note: This post is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by the National Football League (NFL) or any of its teams. All opinions and views expressed on our blogs are our own, not that of the NFL and/or any of its 32 teams. Any team names, logos or other symbols referenced are properties of their respective organizations. We are just big fans — and we want to share our love for our teams, the game and the food that brings us all together on game day.