Savor the Flavor of Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs Today!

Prepare to embark on a flavor journey with these irresistible Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs! These sticky, sweet, and savory bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish, perfect for game days, backyard barbecues, or any special occasion. The combination of ground beef or turkey, a touch of bourbon, and a rich barbecue sauce creates a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your guests coming back for more.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes or until they’re cooked through and browned.

Make the Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the BBQ sauce, bourbon, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Simmer the mixture for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s slightly thickened.

Coat the Meatballs

Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss them to coat evenly. Let the meatballs simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve

Serve the Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs warm as an appetizer, over rice, or on sandwich rolls. These delectable bites are perfect for game day festivities, backyard barbecues, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a flavor-packed dish.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs

To achieve the best texture and flavor, it’s important to strike the right balance of ingredients. The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, while the Parmesan cheese and spices add depth of flavor. Be sure not to overmix the mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs. Gently shape the meatballs and bake them until they’re cooked through, but not overcooked, for juicy and tender results.

Variations of Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs

While the classic Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs are a surefire hit, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Try using a blend of ground meats, such as beef and pork, for a richer flavor. Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the meatball mixture for added texture and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of Worcestershire sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Pairing Suggestions

These Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs pair exceptionally well with a variety of sides and drinks. Serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. For a lighter option, pair them with a fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw. To complement the bold flavors, consider serving the meatballs with a crisp, cold beer or a refreshing, sweet iced tea.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs contains approximately 250 calories, 15 grams of protein, and 12 grams of carbohydrates. They’re a relatively well-balanced dish, making them a satisfying choice for both casual snacking and more substantial meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes meatballs stay together?

The breadcrumbs and egg in the meatball mixture help bind the ingredients together, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape during baking and cooking. It’s important not to overmix the meatball mixture, as this can make the texture tough and dense.

How to make sure meatballs are juicy?

To keep your Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs juicy, be careful not to overcook them. Bake them until they’re just cooked through, around 18-20 minutes. Additionally, the Parmesan cheese and spices in the mixture help retain moisture, resulting in deliciously juicy meatballs.

How to thicken up barbecue meatball sauce?

If you’d like to achieve a thicker, more glossy sauce consistency, you can try a few techniques. First, simmer the sauce for a bit longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch or flour with a bit of water and stir it into the sauce, which will help thicken it up.

How to store leftover cocktail meatballs?

Leftover Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, you can simply place them back in the sauce and warm them through on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• BBQ Bacon Ranch Meatball Subs
• Cheesy Bacon Meatball Bites
• Maple Bourbon Bacon Glazed Meatball Subs

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors with these Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a delicious homemade meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how you and your guests enjoy it!

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

Print