CHEESEBURGER MEATBALLS

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coarse dry bread crumbs
• or panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
• 2 tbsp milk (2%)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, cubed (1/2 inch)
• 1 lb (0.5 kg) lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked bacon
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
• Dill pickle slices*

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil.
2. Combine bread crumbs, milk and Worcestershire sauce. Let stand for 2 minutes.
3. Combine bread crumb mixture, and beef, bacon, onion powder, mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper until well blended. Shape 1 tbsp measures of beef mixture into balls. Press a small well in centre of each ball. Place a cube of cheese in each well. Wrap beef around cheese and reshape into a ball. Place meatballs in prepared pan.
4. Bake until completely cooked, about 12 – 15 minutes . Top each meatball with a piece of dill pickle and secure with a toothpick.