Keto Onion Bombs

Sharing is caring!

These Keto Onion Bombs offer a delicious, impressive low-carb option for your next meal. Sweet onion shells are filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, all wrapped in crispy bacon—a satisfying, keto-friendly combination.

Despite their gourmet appearance, these onion bombs come together with surprising ease. The onion naturally creates the perfect vessel for holding all that savory goodness. Each bite delivers an explosion of complementary flavors and textures that will make you forget you’re eating healthy.

No time to read the recipe? Pin it to read later ⤵️

Easy Onion Bombs

These onion bombs are perfect for weekend gatherings, game days, or anytime you need a protein-packed meal to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Whether baked in the oven (as this recipe details) or sizzled on the grill, these onion bombs will ensure you’re never again stuck with a boring bunless burger at barbecues.

Who wouldn’t love an onion filled with seasoned ground meat and melted cheese, all wrapped in crispy bacon, yum!

What You’ll Need

• Large yellow onions (look for perfectly round ones)
• Medium cheddar cheese cut into 2-ounce cubes
• Pork sausage
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Egg, lightly beaten
• Milk
• Breadcrumbs
• BBQ Rub
• BBQ Sauce

How to Make Keto Onion Bombs

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Prepare the onions

Peel the outer layer from the onions. Cut off the top and bottom of each onion. Remove the inner layers to hollow out the onions, creating a shell.

Step 3: Prepare the mixture

Combine the sausage, minced garlic, egg, and milk. Ensure the ingredients are mixed thoroughly.

Step 4: Assemble onions

Stuffed the onion with the meat mixture, then press a piece of cheese into the centre. Place the halves together, wrap with bacon, and secure with a toothpick.

Step 5: Bake the onions

Bake the onions for 60-75 minutes in a casserole dish, disposable tray, or baking sheet. With 15 minutes to go, remove the onion bombs and brush with BBQ sauce.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Remove the onion bombs from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. Then slice and serve while they’re still hot.

If You Want to Use the Grill

If you prefer to cook your Keto Onion Bombs on the grill rather than in the oven, follow these simple adjustments:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (approximately 350-375°F).
2. To prevent the bombs from falling through the grates, use a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil or a grill-safe pan.
3. Cook with the lid closed for 25-30 minutes, turning carefully halfway through. In the last 15 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce.
4. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for beef (165°F for poultry).
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Keto Spice Rub

You can either use my recipe below for a spice rub or use a store brought rub.

• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

Store-Bought Keto-Friendly Spice Rub Options

1. Kinder’s The Blend Seasoning has zero carbs per serving and no added sugars or fillers. It is a great all-purpose keto rub with balanced flavor.
2. Flavorgod Keto Seasoning—This seasoning is specifically formulated for keto diets and contains no sugar, MSG, or fillers. It also contains pink Himalayan salt and various herbs.

Usage Amount: For store-bought rubs, use approximately 1-2 tablespoons per pound of meat. Apply evenly to all surfaces and allow to rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking for best flavor penetration.

Keto-Friendly Store-Bought BBQ Sauce Options

1. G Hughes Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce – Available in multiple flavors with 2g net carbs per serving.
2. Primal Kitchen Classic BBQ Sauce – Made with avocado oil and no added sugars (3g net carbs per serving).
3. AlternaSweets Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce – Sweetened with monk fruit, only 1g net carbs per serving.
4. Yo Mama’s Foods American BBQ Sauce – No added sugars or artificial ingredients (2g net carbs per serving).
5. Keto Prima BBQ Sauce – Specifically formulated for keto with 1g net carbs per serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Can’t find or prefer not to use certain ingredients? Here are some excellent substitutions to customize your Keto Onion Bombs:

• Ground beef → ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based meat alternatives
• Yellow onions → red onions, sweet Vidalia onions, or large shallots
• Regular bacon → turkey bacon, pancetta, or prosciutto (though regular bacon works best)
• Cheddar cheese → pepper jack, mozzarella, provolone, or dairy-free cheese alternatives
• Cream cheese → goat cheese, mascarpone, or dairy-free cream cheese
• Garlic powder → fresh minced garlic or garlic-infused oil
• Worcestershire sauce → coconut aminos or soy sauce
• Green onions → chives, parsley, or cilantro

What Temperature to Cook Onion Bombs at

Cook onion bombs at 350°F. They are ready when the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. This process will take about an hour or up to 75 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the meat mixture reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

How To Store Leftovers and Reheat

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Eat them within a week. You can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or air fryer.

What To Serve With Onion Bombs

If you serve onion bombs with a few other foods, you can quickly have a complete meal. Here are some of our favorites:

• Texas Twinkies
• Australian Sausage Rolls
• Pork Belly Porchetta

📌 Did you try this recipe?

Have you made this delicious recipe and loved it?

I would love it if you took a minute to leave a star rating and review. It is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that; thank you!

📌 Please also pin the image below, then you can find the recipe for the next time you want to cook.

Smoke On!

Charlie

Hungry For More?