With football season in full swing, I’m always looking for the perfect game day food, it has to be delicious, and easy to eat while you’re cheering on your team. These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are the ultimate solution! They have all the incredible flavor of a juicy cheeseburger packed into a perfect handheld appetizer. No plates or forks required, which makes them the hero of any watch party.
What makes this garlic parmesan cheeseburger bombs recipe so popular is how easy they are to make and how crazy good they taste. You’re using refrigerated biscuit dough as the wrapper, so there’s no complicated dough-making involved. These sealed-edge biscuit pockets are perfect game-day appetizer bites, easy meals for kids picky eaters, or foods for a crowd at any party. Plus, they have amazing freeze and bake convenience, which means you can make a batch ahead and bake them whenever you need a quick, impressive appetizer.
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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
1. Insanely Delicious Flavor – These are flavor packed recipes at their finest. The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese filling, flaky biscuit dough, and that incredible garlic-parmesan butter topping is absolutely unbeatable. They taste like the best cheeseburgers meets garlic bread in the most perfect way.
2. Super Easy to Make – Using refrigerated biscuit dough makes these biscuit dough bombs so simple. You don’t need any fancy skills or complicated techniques. Just wrap, seal, brush, and bake. They’re ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for grab and go dinner or last-minute entertaining.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you need hamburger appetizer recipes for a party, interesting dinners for the family, burger ideas for dinner, or meal ideas with hamburger meat that feed a crowd, these work for everything. They’re also great for dinner for 15 people because you can easily double or triple the recipe.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
This garlic parmesan cheeseburger bombs recipe uses simple ingredients you can grab at any grocery store. You’re making restaurant-quality hamburger bites with basic pantry staples.
What You’ll Need
For the Cheeseburger Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional for extra creaminess)
For the Bombs:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
For the Garlic-Parmesan Butter:
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Why These Ingredients Matter
Ground Beef and Cheese Mix – Using both cheddar and mozzarella gives you the best of both worlds. Cheddar provides sharp flavor while mozzarella adds that amazing cheese pull. The juicy beef and cheese mix creates a filling that stays moist and flavorful even after baking.
Refrigerated Biscuit Dough – This is the secret to making these cheeseburger biscuits so easy. The dough is already perfectly portioned and easy to work with. It bakes up golden and flaky, creating the perfect wrapper for the filling. You can use regular or grands biscuits depending on how big you want your bombs.
Garlic-Parmesan Butter Topping – This is what takes these from good to absolutely incredible. The melted butter with fresh garlic and Parmesan creates that irresistible buttery garlic bread flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds. Don’t skip the fresh parsley, it adds color and freshness.
Instructions for Making Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with minced garlic, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 3: Drain any excess grease from the beef. Let it cool slightly, then stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and cream cheese if using. The cream cheese makes these garlic parmesan cheeseburger bombs with cream cheese extra creamy and rich. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is combined.
Step 4: Separate the biscuit dough into 8 individual biscuits. Flatten each biscuit into a 4-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin.
Step 5: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each biscuit circle. Don’t overfill or they’ll be hard to seal.
Step 6: Pull the edges of the biscuit dough up and around the filling, pinching them together at the top to create sealed-edge biscuit pockets. Make sure they’re completely sealed with no gaps, or the filling will leak out during baking.
Step 7: Place the bombs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic powder to create the garlic-parmesan butter.
Step 9: Brush the garlic-parmesan butter generously over the top and sides of each bomb. Use all of it for maximum flavor.
Step 10: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the bombs are golden brown and the biscuit dough is cooked through. They should be puffy and golden.
Step 11: Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. These are best eaten warm when the cheese is still gooey.
Hint: These garlic parmesan cheeseburger bites pair amazingly with this creamy white cheddar chicken pasta for a full comfort food spread, or serve them alongside taco lasagna for an interesting dinner combination.
Top Tip
Seal Those Edges Completely – This is the most important step. Make sure the biscuit dough is pinched together tightly with no gaps. If there are any openings, the cheese will leak out and make a mess. Really pinch and press those seams.
Don’t Overfill – It’s tempting to stuff them full, but too much filling makes them impossible to seal and causes them to burst open during baking. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling per bomb for the best results.
Let the Beef Cool Slightly – If you add the cheese to piping hot beef, it’ll melt too much and make the filling runny and hard to work with. Let it cool for a few minutes before mixing in the cheese.
Use Fresh Garlic – Fresh minced garlic in the butter topping makes such a difference compared to garlic powder alone. It gives you that authentic buttery garlic bread flavor that makes these so addictive.
My Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs Journey
I first made these for a Super Bowl party, and I was honestly nervous because I’d invited a bunch of friends over and wanted something impressive but easy. I was running around the kitchen trying to get everything ready when Grandma showed up early. She watched me stress over these and said, “Jazzy, these are just cheeseburgers in a blanket. Stop treating them like they’re some fancy French pastry. Just stuff ’em, seal ’em, and bake ’em. They’ll be great.”
Her calm confidence helped me relax, and I followed her advice. Those garlic parmesan cheeseburger bombs were the hit of the party. They disappeared in minutes, and people kept asking for the recipe. Now they’re my go-to for any gathering, whether it’s game day, family dinner, or just a random Tuesday when I want something delicious and easy. Every time I make them, I remember Grandma’s words about not overthinking simple food. Sometimes the easiest recipes are the ones that impress people the most.
Substitutions for Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Ground Turkey or Chicken – Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. Season it a bit more heavily since these meats are milder in flavor. You could even make garlic parmesan chicken bombs by using diced cooked chicken breast mixed with the cheese.
Keto Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs – Skip the biscuit dough and use fathead dough (mozzarella and almond flour dough) instead. This makes them low-carb and keto-friendly while keeping all that amazing flavor. You can find fathead dough recipes online easily.
Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs Air Fryer – Cook these in the air fryer at 350°F for 10-12 minutes instead of baking. They come out extra crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. Just make sure not to overcrowd the basket.
Dairy-Free Version – Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and replace the butter with olive oil mixed with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Variations on Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Garlic Parmesan Bacon Cheeseburger Bombshell – Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef and cheese mixture. The smoky bacon flavor takes these to the next level and makes them even more indulgent. This garlic parmesan bacon cheeseburger bombshell version is a crowd favorite.
Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Sliders – Instead of wrapping them in biscuit dough, make regular slider patties and serve them on Hawaiian rolls brushed with the garlic-parmesan butter. These garlic parmesan cheeseburger sliders are perfect for parties.
Pizza Bomb Variation – Replace the burger filling with cooked Italian sausage, mozzarella, and a spoonful of marinara sauce. Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning for pizza bombs.
Breakfast Bomb Version – Fill with scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage, and cheese for a breakfast twist. Brush with regular butter or add some everything bagel seasoning on top.
Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Biscuits – Skip the stuffing and just make open-faced versions. Split biscuits, top with the beef mixture, and broil until bubbly. These cheeseburger biscuits are easier to make and just as delicious, similar to how you’d serve steak cheese dirty fry burritos as an open-face option.
Equipment for Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Large Skillet – You need a good skillet to brown the ground beef evenly. A 12-inch skillet gives you plenty of room to break up the meat and get a nice brown crust on it.
Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper – Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. The bombs release cleanly from parchment and you won’t have any stuck-on cheese to scrub off.
Pastry Brush – A silicone pastry brush is perfect for applying the garlic-parmesan butter evenly over each bomb. It helps you get into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.
Rolling Pin (Optional) – If you want to flatten the biscuits more evenly, a rolling pin helps. But honestly, your hands work just fine for this recipe.
Storage Tips for Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Refrigerator Storage – Store leftover cooked bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes to restore the crispy exterior.
Freezer Storage (Uncooked) – This is where the freeze and bake convenience really shines. Assemble the bombs completely but don’t brush with butter yet. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, brush with garlic butter and bake from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time.
Freezer Storage (Cooked) – You can also freeze cooked bombs. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips – Prepare the beef filling up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble and bake. This makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to do some prep work in advance.
Grandma’s Secret for Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Grandma pulled me aside while I was making these one day and shared her secret weapon. “Jazzy,” she whispered, “you want to know what makes these even better? Add a tiny pinch of sugar to that garlic butter. Just a tiny bit. It helps the garlic caramelize slightly and brings out all the flavors without making it taste sweet.” I tried it and she was absolutely right. That little bit of sugar creates this subtle depth that makes people wonder what makes your garlic butter so good.
Her other trick is to let the assembled bombs sit in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking. She says it helps the biscuit dough firm up slightly so it holds its shape better during baking and doesn’t split open. I tested it both ways, and the chilled ones definitely hold together better and look more professional. These little Grandma tricks turn good cheeseburger bombs into great ones.
FAQ about Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
What kind of cheese is best for cheeseburger bombs?
A combination of cheddar and mozzarella works best for cheeseburger bombs. Cheddar provides that classic cheeseburger flavor and sharpness, while mozzarella adds amazing meltiness and that cheese pull everyone loves. You can also use pepper jack for a spicy kick, Swiss for a milder flavor, or add cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Are garlic cheeseburger bombs baked or fried?
Garlic cheeseburger bombs are typically baked in the oven at 375°F for 15-18 minutes. This makes them easier and healthier than frying. However, you can also cook them in an air fryer at 350°F for 10-12 minutes for an even crispier exterior, or deep fry them at 350°F for 3-4 minutes if you want them extra indulgent.
What goes well with garlic Parmesan seasoning?
Garlic Parmesan seasoning pairs beautifully with beef, chicken, pasta, vegetables, and bread. It’s perfect on burgers, wings, fries, roasted vegetables, popcorn, and baked potatoes. The savory, umami-rich combination of garlic and Parmesan enhances almost any savory dish and adds that irresistible buttery garlic bread flavor.
Is Parmesan good on burgers?
Yes, Parmesan is excellent on burgers! It adds a salty, nutty, umami flavor that complements beef perfectly. You can mix it into the ground beef before forming patties, sprinkle it on top while cooking, or add it to burger toppings and sauces. Parmesan creates a delicious crust when it melts and browns slightly on the burger.
Conclusion
These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are the perfect game day recipe that everyone goes crazy for. Here’s to a winning recipe that lets you and your guests focus on the game, not on balancing a plate. Enjoy all the cheers for both your team and your amazing appetizers!
If you love garlic and cheese flavor combinations, check out these Jalapeno-Garlic-Onion Cheeseburgers for another delicious burger variation. And if you’re in the mood for more comfort food, this wonton soup with sesame chili oil is another flavor-packed recipe you’ll love.
Give this garlic parmesan cheeseburger bombs recipe a try and let me know what you think. Grandma and I can’t wait to hear about your game day wins!
Grandma’s Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet For browning the beef perfectly.
- 1 Baking Sheet Grandma always said, "A sturdy sheet pan is a cook's best friend."
- 1 Small bowl For mixing the garlic butter.
- 1 Pastry brush To lovingly coat each bomb with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cheeseburger Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese Softened for extra creaminess.
For the Bombs
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz) Makes 8 biscuits.
For the Garlic-Parmesan Butter
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Fresh is best!
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Grandma always said the secret to calm cooking is a ready kitchen. First, let's get the [oven] preheating to 375°F (190°C). Line a [baking sheet] with [parchment paper] for easy cleanup, another one of her brilliant little tricks!
- In your [large skillet] over medium-high heat, cook the [ground beef] with the minced [garlic]. She’d tell me, "Jazzy, break it up good now!" Season it with [onion powder], [salt], and [black pepper]. Cook until it's perfectly browned and smells wonderful, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain off any extra grease, a clean flavor was always her rule. Let the beef cool for just a minute, then stir in the [cheddar cheese], [mozzarella cheese], and that wonderful [cream cheese]. Mix until everything is melted into a beautiful, gooey mess that would make Grandma proud.
- Now for the fun part I always loved as a kid! Flatten each piece of [refrigerated biscuit dough] into a 4-inch circle. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of that cheesy beef filling right in the center. "Don’t be greedy," Grandma would laugh, "or they’ll burst their buttons in the oven!"
- Gently pull the dough edges up and pinch them together tightly at the top. This is the most important step! Place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Now for her secret weapon: let them chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes. She swore it helps them hold their shape and bake perfectly.
- In a [small bowl], mix together the melted [butter], minced [garlic], grated [Parmesan cheese], chopped [fresh parsley], and [garlic powder]. The page for this in her notebook has a little star next to it. It’s what makes these unforgettable.
- Use a [pastry brush] to generously coat the top and sides of each bomb with that amazing garlic butter. Don’t be shy! Bake for 15-18 minutes, until they’re gloriously golden brown and your whole house smells like a warm hug.
- Let them cool on the pan for just a few minutes before serving. They’re best when they’re warm and the cheese is still wonderfully gooey. I can still hear the cheers from our family game nights. I hope you enjoy the cheers from yours, too.
Notes
- Grandma’s Secret #1: Add a tiny pinch of sugar to the garlic butter mixture. It doesn’t make it sweet, but it helps the garlic caramelize slightly and deepens the flavor. It was her secret touch for so many savory dishes.
- Grandma’s Secret #2: Don’t skip the 15-minute chill time! It really does help the biscuit dough firm up, preventing the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the beef filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just assemble and bake for a super quick appetizer.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the bombs but don’t brush with butter. Flash freeze on the baking sheet for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time after brushing with the garlic butter.