Steps

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large-rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set aside.

Slice the top and bottom off each onion. Peel off the outer skin layer. Slice onions in half (top to bottom) and remove the two outer layers. You will have 8 sets of onion halves. Set aside.

Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use a wooden spoon or hands to mix thoroughly until evenly combined.

Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions.

Flatten each meat portion in your palm into a 3-4 inch disc. Add a cheddar cheese cube to the center, wrapping the meat around it to form a sealed meatball.

Cover the meatball with two onion halves, ensuring most of the surface is wrapped. Adjust onion size as needed for a snug fit.

Lay two bacon slices in an X-pattern, place the onion bomb in the center, and wrap the bacon around it. Secure with a toothpick if required.

Place the bacon-wrapped onion bomb onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process for all 8 portions.

Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.

Remove onion bombs from the oven and brush the tops and sides with the remaining ⅓ cup barbecue sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.

Allow the onion bombs to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips
Ensure bacon is tightly wrapped and the meatballs are pressed well to avoid breaking apart during cooking.
Use evenly sized onion pieces to achieve uniform cooking.
Soaking onions in hot water for 3-4 minutes helps separate layers without breaking them.
A meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check doneness. Look for golden, crispy bacon and tender onions.
Ensure the cheddar cube is fully encased in the meatball to prevent leakage as it melts.
Add extra barbecue sauce during cooking or serve additional sauce on the side if desired.
Required Tools
Large-rimmed baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Meat thermometer
Allergy Information
Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.