One chilly afternoon last March, I had my oldest grandson over after school. He’d just joined the local baseball league and came in the door announcing, “Grandma, I need fuel!” That boy eats like he’s training for the Olympics. I didn’t have much prepped, but I had some ground turkey thawing and a roll of biscuit dough in the fridge.
While he told me about how he slid into third base “just like the pros,” I started thinking, what if I made something fun, handheld, and cheesy? Something he could grab with one hand while telling me all about the game?
I remembered a version of cheeseburger bombs I’d seen once at a potluck, but I wanted mine with a twist. We both love pickles (he’s the only kid I know who’ll eat them straight from the jar), so I decided to fold that tangy crunch into the filling. Added mozzarella for that glorious melt, and since I try to avoid beef during the week, I went with ground turkey and turkey bacon.
Well, those little bombs barely cooled before they disappeared. I think he ate four before I could blink. That day stuck with me—not just for the success of the recipe, but because we laughed and cooked and made something new together.
Short Description
These Dill Pickle Cheeseburger Mozzarella Bombs are savory, cheesy, and packed with tangy pickles and smoky turkey bacon—all wrapped in golden biscuit dough. A crowd-pleasing snack or quick dinner idea that’s full of flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package biscuit dough (8-count)
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or frying pan
- Baking sheet
- Cutting board and knife
- Spoon or small scoop
- Oven mitts
- Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, shredded mozzarella, crumbled turkey bacon, diced pickles, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Separate the biscuit dough into individual pieces. Flatten each biscuit into a 3–4 inch circle using your hands or the bottom of a cup.
Step 4: Fill and Seal
Spoon about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of filling into the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the edges up and over the filling, pinching tightly to seal. Roll gently in your hands to form a smooth ball, then place seam side down on the baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bombs are puffed and golden brown. The tops should be lightly crisp, and you might see some cheese bubbling out—this is a good sign.
Step 6: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: The dill pickles add a zesty crunch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.
Quick and Easy: These come together fast with store-bought biscuit dough and a handful of ingredients.
Kid-Approved: The cheesy center and golden crust make them a hit with little hands and big appetites.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze for easy snacks or dinners later.
Lighter Option: Using ground turkey and turkey bacon makes them a leaner alternative to traditional cheeseburger recipes.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Dough Not Sealing Properly
Solution: Don’t overfill the dough, and make sure to pinch all edges tightly. Slightly damp fingers can help seal better.
Dry Filling
Solution: Use shredded mozzarella for moisture, and don’t overcook the ground turkey if you’re pre-cooking it (optional but recommended).
Soggy Bottoms
Solution: Bake on parchment-lined sheet or use a wire rack over a tray to allow air circulation.
Burning the Bottoms
Solution: Check your oven’s hot spots. If needed, move the tray to a higher rack halfway through baking.
Pickles Too Watery
Solution: Pat pickles dry with a paper towel before adding to the mix to avoid soggy dough.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with ketchup, mustard, or a creamy dill dip on the side.
Pair with a light coleslaw, a fresh salad, or baked sweet potato fries for a well-rounded meal.
Great as appetizers on a party platter or family-style on a big wooden board.
For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap. Store in freezer bag up to 2 months.
Reheat in Oven: Bake at 325°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave Option: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second bursts, but note the crust may soften.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake fresh when ready.
2. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely. Swap it 1:1, but be sure to drain excess grease after cooking.
3. Do I need to cook the ground turkey first?
It’s optional. You can mix it raw as the baking time is long enough, but pre-cooking ensures even doneness and better texture.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, with a gluten-free biscuit dough alternative and by checking labels on other ingredients.
5. What can I use instead of biscuit dough?
Pizza dough or crescent roll dough also works well. Adjust baking time accordingly, crescent dough may brown faster.
Tips & Tricks
Chill the filling for 10 minutes before stuffing the dough, it makes it easier to handle.
Use a cookie scoop for even portions.
Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray before baking for a glossy finish.
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or dried parsley on top for a little flair.
For extra flavor, stir 1 tbsp Dijon mustard into the filling mix.
Recipe Variations
1. Jalapeño Popper Bombs
Swap pickles for chopped jalapeños, and mix in 2 oz cream cheese with the mozzarella for a spicy, creamy version.
2. BBQ Bacon Bombs
Use BBQ sauce instead of pickles and mozzarella. Add cheddar cheese and smoked paprika to the filling.
3. Veggie Cheeseburger Bombs
Replace the turkey with a plant-based ground alternative. Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or finely chopped red bell pepper.
4. Breakfast Bombs
Use scrambled eggs, crumbled turkey sausage, and a bit of cheddar inside. Great morning grab-and-go option.
5. Greek-Style Bombs
Swap pickles for chopped kalamata olives, mozzarella for feta, and add dried oregano. Serve with tzatziki.
Final Thoughts
I never expected a spur-of-the-moment idea to become one of my most requested recipes. These Dill Pickle Cheeseburger Mozzarella Bombs are a perfect example of how creativity in the kitchen can lead to something both delicious and fun. Every time I make them, I think of that afternoon with my grandson—his stories, his smile, and that joyful “mmm” after his first bite.
Recipes like this aren’t just about food. They’re about memories, laughter, and feeding the people we love with a little extra care. And when a recipe checks all the boxes—easy, tasty, and freezer-friendly—it earns a spot on the regular rotation.
I hope this one brings just as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Try it once, and don’t be surprised if your family starts asking for it again by name.
Dill Pickle Cheeseburger Mozzarella Bombs
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package biscuit dough (8-count)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line or grease a baking sheet.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Mix ground turkey, mozzarella, turkey bacon, pickles, and seasonings in a bowl.
Step 3: Flatten the Dough
Separate biscuits and flatten each into a 3–4 inch circle.
Step 4: Fill and Seal
Add 1–1½ tbsp of filling to each. Fold, seal, and roll into a ball. Place seam side down.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and puffed.
Step 6: Let Cool
Cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm.
