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Why This Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs Recipe Works

What You’ll Need for Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

How to Make Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Serving and Storage Tips for Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Mistakes to Avoid while making Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Suggestions for Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Conclusion

Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines juicy meat with melted cheese centers. These bite-sized delights feature a perfect blend of ground beef and pork wrapped around gooey Oaxaca cheese, then smoked to perfection. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with tangy BBQ sauce for an irresistible combination.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Gooey melted cheese surprise in every bite creates an amazing texture contrast
Perfect party appetizer that disappears quickly from any gathering
Smoky flavor adds depth without overpowering the meat and cheese
Make-ahead friendly recipe that reheats beautifully for easy entertaining
Kid-approved recipe that even picky eaters will devour happily

Why This Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs Recipe Works

The secret lies in the perfect meat-to-cheese ratio and smoking technique. Combining beef and pork creates incredibly juicy meatballs that hold together well. The panko breadcrumbs soaked in milk add tenderness without making them dense.

Oaxaca cheese melts beautifully without becoming greasy or leaking out during cooking. The 300°F smoking temperature cooks them evenly while infusing subtle smokiness. Cherry wood complements the meat without overwhelming the delicate cheese flavor.

What You’ll Need for Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Ingredients

¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
10 oz Oaxaca cheese, cubed
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp BBQ rub
1 tsp kosher salt
½ cup barbecue sauce

Tools

Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
Smoker with temperature control
Cherry wood chips for smoking
Meat thermometer for checking doneness
Pastry brush for sauce application

How to Make Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Soak	Place breadcrumbs and milk in a large mixing bowl. Stir and let soak for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cut Oaxaca cheese into ½-inch cubes.
Step 2: Mix	Add beef, pork, parsley, garlic, and seasonings to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Shape	Pinch off 2 tablespoons of mixture. Shape into ball, flatten, add cheese cube, and roll back into ball. Repeat to make 24 balls. Refrigerate while lighting smoker.
Step 4: Heat Smoker	Heat smoker to 300°F with indirect heat zone. Add cherry wood chips.
Step 5: Smoke	Place meatballs on smoker. Sprinkle with BBQ rub. Smoke 15 minutes, flip, add more rub, smoke another 15 minutes.
Step 6: Sauce	Flip once more, brush with sauce. Continue cooking 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 7: Serve	Remove to platter, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with toothpicks and extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

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Chef's Helpful Tips

Keep cheese cubes cold until ready to stuff for easier handling and less melting during assembly
Wet your hands with water when rolling meatballs to prevent sticking
Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy
Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatball sizes that cook evenly
Let meatballs rest 5 minutes after smoking before serving to set the cheese

Serving and Storage Tips for Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Serving Tips

Serve these meatballs immediately while the cheese is still melty. Arrange on a platter with colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing. Provide small bowls of various dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or extra BBQ sauce.

For parties, keep warm in a slow cooker on low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for color contrast.

Mistakes to Avoid while making Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Never skip the breadcrumb soaking step – dry breadcrumbs create tough meatballs. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese which doesn’t melt smoothly. Don’t make meatballs too large or cheese will leak before meat cooks through.

Resist opening the smoker frequently as this drops temperature and extends cooking time. Never rush the smoking process with higher heat, which creates dry exteriors and raw centers.

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You Must Know

Internal temperature must reach 165°F for food safety – use a meat thermometer to check
Meatballs can be assembled 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before smoking
Leftover meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months in airtight containers
Different wood chips create unique flavors – try apple or hickory for variety

Suggestions for Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Try different cheese varieties like mozzarella, pepper jack, or cheddar for flavor variations. Mix herbs into the meat like oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning. Create international versions using feta and mint for Greek-style or queso fresco with cilantro for Mexican flair.

Serve over pasta with marinara for a complete meal. Try them in sandwiches or sliders with coleslaw. For more recipe inspiration, check out this spicy smoked mozzarella meatball recipe or explore these pizzaiola-style meatballs.

For more comfort food ideas, try our Ultimate Chicken Casserole or quick weeknight Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta.

FAQs:

Can I make Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs without a smoker?

Yes! Use your oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Add liquid smoke to the meat mixture or use smoked paprika for smoky flavor.

What's the best cheese for Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs?

Oaxaca cheese works perfectly because it melts smoothly without becoming greasy. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or mild cheddar are great substitutes.

How do I prevent cheese from leaking out of Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs?

Ensure meat completely encases the cheese cube. Seal edges well and refrigerate before cooking. Don’t overstuff with cheese.

Can I freeze uncooked Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Smoke directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes cooking time.

What sides pair well with Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs?

Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled vegetables. For parties, offer crackers, vegetable sticks, or mini slider buns.

Conclusion

Smoked Cheese Stuffed Meatballs elevate any gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. The combination of juicy meat, melted cheese, and smoky flavor creates an unforgettable appetizer. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll master this crowd-pleaser quickly.

Whether serving at parties or enjoying as a family dinner, these meatballs deliver satisfaction in every bite. The make-ahead convenience and freezer-friendly nature make them perfect for busy hosts. Try this recipe today and watch them disappear from your table!

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