Craving a cheeseburger but want to skip the bun? These Bunless Cheeseburger Bites are the perfect solution! Juicy, flavorful, and packed with all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger—minus the bread. These bite-sized wonders are perfect for low-carb eaters, party appetizers, or a quick protein-packed snack.
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Imagine juicy beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and all your favorite burger toppings in a bite-sized, handheld form. Trust me, once you try them, you won’t even miss the bun!
Why You’ll Love Bunless Cheeseburger Bites
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: All the deliciousness of a cheeseburger without the carbs.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, quick prep, and minimal cleanup.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
Great for Parties: A crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears fast.
Customizable: Load them up with your favorite toppings—pickles, onions, jalapeños, or even a special sauce!
Ingredients in Bunless Cheeseburger Bites
Here’s what makes these bites irresistible:
Ground Beef: The base of these juicy little bites. Choose lean ground beef for less grease or go with a higher fat content for extra flavor.
Cheese: Classic cheddar is always a win, but feel free to mix it up with Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella.
Bacon: Because everything’s better with crispy bacon!
Egg: Helps bind the beef mixture together for perfect bites.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick that enhances the burger flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient that deepens the savory richness.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential seasonings for that classic burger taste.
Salt & Black Pepper: The basics that bring out all the flavors.
Toppings: Pickles, diced onions, tomatoes, lettuce, or even a drizzle of burger sauce.
How to Make Bunless Cheeseburger Bites
Let’s break it down step by step:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F to ensure even cooking.
Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground beef, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat!
Form the Bites: Roll the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet. Press slightly to flatten into mini patties.
Bake to Perfection: Cook for about 12–15 minutes or until fully cooked through.
Add the Cheese: Place a small slice of cheese on each bite and return to the oven for a minute or two, just until melted.
Crisp the Bacon: While the bites bake, cook your bacon until crispy. Crumble it into small pieces.
Assemble & Serve: Top each cheeseburger bite with bacon and your favorite toppings. Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 250
How to Serve Bunless Cheeseburger Bites
These bites are super versatile—serve them however you like!
With a Dipping Sauce: Pair them with ketchup, mustard, mayo, or a homemade burger sauce.
Over a Salad: Turn them into a low-carb burger bowl with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.
As an Appetizer: Perfect for game nights, BBQs, or any gathering.
With a Side of Veggies: Serve with crunchy celery, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices.
Topped with Avocado: Add some creamy avocado slices for an extra layer of flavor.
Additional Tips
Don’t Overmix the Meat: This keeps the bites juicy and tender.
Use a Mini Muffin Tin: If you want perfectly shaped bites, bake them in a mini muffin tin for easy portioning.
Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with blue cheese, gouda, or Monterey jack for a twist.
Make Them Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A1: Absolutely! Cook at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q2: Can I freeze these?
A2: Yes! Freeze cooked bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Q3: What’s the best beef to use?
A3: An 80/20 blend gives the best balance of juiciness and flavor.
Q4: Can I add veggies to the mixture?
A4: Yes! Finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or even spinach work great.
Q5: How do I make them dairy-free?
A5: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Q6: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A6: Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, but may need a little extra seasoning.
Q7: What’s a good sauce to serve with these?
A7: Try burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice mixed together) or a spicy aioli.
Q8: Can I make these ahead of time?
A8: Yes! Prep the bites, store them in the fridge, and bake when ready.
Q9: Can I cook these on the stovetop instead?
A9: Yep! Just pan-sear in a little oil over medium heat until cooked through.
Q10: How do I keep them from drying out?
A10: Don’t overcook them, and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Bunless Cheeseburger Bites are everything you love about a classic cheeseburger, packed into a delicious, bite-sized form. Perfect for meal prep, parties, or a quick snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Print
Bunless Cheeseburger Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 mini burgers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These mini bunless cheeseburger bites are the perfect low-carb appetizer! Made with juicy seasoned beef, melted cheddar, crisp lettuce, red onion, and tangy pickles, they’re packed with classic burger flavors—without the bun. Quick, easy, and great for parties!
Ingredients
For the mini burgers:
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the toppings:
- 4–5 slices red cheddar, cut into squares
- 12 baby romaine lettuce leaves
- 12 cocktail pickles
- 1 small red onion, quartered
Instructions
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Prepare the burger mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
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Shape the patties:
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface.
- Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the meat, roll into balls, and flatten into small patties.
- Make a small dent in the center of each patty with your finger (this helps them keep their shape).
-
Cook the patties:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.
-
Assemble the burger bites:
- Top each patty with cheese, lettuce, a slice of onion, and a pickle.
- Secure with a toothpick if needed.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm with mustard, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- Use beef, turkey, or chicken for different flavors.
- Swap red cheddar for American, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese.
- Serve on mini buns if you prefer a traditional slider.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 102
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg