These oven-baked cheeseburger bites deliver everything you love about a classic cheeseburger in a compact, protein-packed, and portion-controlled form. They’re savory, juicy, and perfect as a snack, appetizer, or easy meal prep option without the heaviness of a full burger.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cheeseburger bites are simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and ideal for anyone looking for a lighter take on comfort food. They’re baked instead of fried, made with lean protein, and portioned into mini cups that are easy to serve and store. Each bite is packed with flavor from classic burger ingredients while keeping calories low and protein high.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb lean ground beef (96/4)
3/4 cup liquid egg whites (184 g) or 4 large egg whites
1/2 cup fat-free shredded cheddar cheese (56 g)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (56 g)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (56 g)
1/4 cup reduced-sugar ketchup (68 g)
3 tablespoons yellow mustard (45 g)
5 small dill pickles, finely diced (about 50 g)
Nonstick cooking spray, as needed
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a 24-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, ketchup, mustard, and diced pickles.
Add the cooked ground beef to the bowl and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top and cleaning any excess between the wells.
Bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and set.
Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly before removing them from the pan.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 24 mini cheeseburger bites.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Each bite contains approximately 48 calories, making them ideal for meal prep or controlled snacking.
Variations
You can substitute the ground beef with lean ground chicken or lean ground turkey for a slightly different flavor profile.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely crushed corn chips.
If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, swap the fat-free cheddar for reduced-fat cheddar, keeping in mind that the calorie count will increase slightly.
Chopped onions or a small amount of garlic powder can be added for extra depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cheeseburger bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat refrigerated bites in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes.
Frozen bites can be reheated directly from the freezer with a slightly longer heating time.
FAQs
Can I make these in a regular-size muffin tin?
Yes, you can use a standard muffin tin. Increase the baking time by about 3 to 5 minutes and check that the centers are fully cooked.
Will these cheeseburger bites dry out?
As long as you use lean meat and avoid overbaking, they stay moist and tender.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator before baking.
Are these good for meal prep?
Absolutely. They hold their texture well and reheat easily, making them great for meal prep.
Can I leave out the pickles?
Yes, the pickles are optional. The recipe will still work without any adjustments.
What can I serve with these bites?
They pair well with roasted vegetables, salads, or baked potato wedges for a balanced meal.
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
Whole eggs can be used, but they will slightly increase the fat and calorie content.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
The tops should be lightly golden, and the centers should feel firm when gently pressed.
Can I make these dairy-free?
You can omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives, though the texture may change slightly.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes, their small size and familiar flavors make them very kid-friendly.
Conclusion
These oven-baked cheeseburger bites are a smart and satisfying way to enjoy classic burger flavors in a lighter, more convenient form. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a gathering, or simply craving comfort food with balance in mind, this recipe delivers flavor, simplicity, and versatility in every bite.
These oven-baked cheeseburger bites are mini, high-protein snacks that capture all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger in a lighter, low-calorie form. Great for meal prep or entertaining.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef (96/4)
3/4 cup liquid egg whites (184 g) or 4 large egg whites
1/2 cup fat-free shredded cheddar cheese (56 g)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (56 g)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (56 g)
1/4 cup reduced-sugar ketchup (68 g)
3 tablespoons yellow mustard (45 g)
5 small dill pickles, finely diced (about 50 g)
Nonstick cooking spray, as needed
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine egg whites, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, ketchup, mustard, and diced pickles.
Add the cooked ground beef to the bowl and stir until thoroughly mixed.
Spoon mixture evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.
Bake for 23–25 minutes, or until tops are golden and set.
Let cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm or store as needed.
Notes
Use ground chicken or turkey as a lean alternative to beef.
Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
Add chopped onion or garlic powder for deeper flavor.
Can be made ahead and reheated from the fridge or freezer.
