These Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs are a tasty treat! Made with juicy ground meat and a sweet, tangy sauce, they’re perfect for any gathering. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
My favorite part is how sticky and flavorful they turn out—every bite is a little burst of happiness! I like to serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually prefer a mix of beef and pork for added flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken will also work. Just keep in mind that the outcome will be slightly different in taste.
Breadcrumbs: You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch. If you need a gluten-free option, crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour can do the trick.
Parmesan Cheese: While grated Parmesan adds a nice savory touch, you can replace it with any grated hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Bourbon:** If you don’t want to use bourbon, any other whiskey works here. For a non-alcoholic alternative, try apple cider or a little extra barbecue sauce.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Juicy?
Keeping meatballs juicy might seem tricky, but it’s all about the mixing and cooking process. Be gentle when combining the ingredients—overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
- Use wet hands when shaping the meatballs, which helps them hold their shape and prevents them from sticking.
- Cook them just until they’re browned and no longer pink inside. Overcooking leads to dryness—aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
How Can I Make the BBQ Sauce Stick Better?
For the sauce to stick well to your meatballs, the meatballs should be slightly sticky when you coat them. Here are some tips:
- Let the meatballs cool slightly after cooking before adding the sauce. It helps them hold the glaze better.
- Simmer them in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavor to infuse and coat them evenly.
Enjoy making these Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs! They are great for game days, parties, or just a fun family meal.
How to Make Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying or baking)
For the Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 20-30 minutes for cooking, depending on your method. So, you’re looking at around 40-50 minutes total to create these tasty meatballs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Be gentle with your mixing—just combine everything until you don’t see any dry ingredients! Now, roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate as you finish each one.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
You have two options here! Option 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches (don’t squeeze them all in at once!), cooking and turning them until they are brown on all sides and fully cooked—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Alternatively, Option 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet or a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown.
3. Prepare the Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce:
While the meatballs are cooking, grab a saucepan and mix together the barbecue sauce, bourbon, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes over medium heat. Stir it well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer; let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This will help to thicken and meld the flavors beautifully!
4. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Once the meatballs are ready, add them to the saucepan with the Bourbon Honey BBQ sauce. Use a spatula or spoon to toss the meatballs gently to coat them well in the tasty sauce. Let them simmer together for another 2-3 minutes so they soak up all that sweet and smoky flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish, then have fun garnishing with chopped green onions or chives and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. These meatballs are perfect for a party served with toothpicks or as a delightful main course with rice, mashed potatoes, or even on slider buns.
Enjoy your sweet, smoky, and sticky Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs! They are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Meat for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground meat, but make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge overnight before mixing your ingredients. Never cook meat from frozen in this recipe, as it will not cook evenly.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, you can add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in a teaspoon of hot sauce with the meat mixture. Additionally, consider using spicy barbecue sauce as a base for the glaze!
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly when you’re ready to serve!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If they seem a little dry, you can add a splash of extra BBQ sauce while reheating.