Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs are a sweet and tangy treat! These juicy meatballs are coated in a rich barbecue sauce that has hints of bourbon and honey for a tasty twist.
Honestly, who can resist meatballs? They’re great for parties or just a cozy night in! I love serving them with toothpicks for easy snacking—nobody can stop at just one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using ground beef is a classic choice, but you can mix it with ground pork for more flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground chicken or turkey works great too.
Bread Crumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are fine, but for extra flavor and texture, try using panko. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice crackers.
Bourbon: Bourbon adds a nice depth. If you’re avoiding alcohol, you can use apple cider or unsweetened apple juice with a touch of liquid smoke for flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Pick your favorite barbecue sauce; however, homemade ones with less sugar can be a healthier option. For a spicier mix, look for a spicy BBQ sauce or add hot sauce to taste.
How Can You Ensure Juicy Meatballs?
The key to juicy meatballs lies in how you mix everything together. Avoid overmixing when combining the ingredients, as this can make the meatballs dense. You want a tender meatball, so gently combine until just mixed.
- Use your hands for the best texture—this allows you to feel when the mixture is ready.
- Shape them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Also, baking instead of frying lets the meatballs cook evenly without dried-out edges. Enjoy your cooking!
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 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for a mild kick
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook, including baking the meatballs and simmering the sauce. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and brown nicely. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together. Be careful not to overwork the mixture; you want it to be just combined for tender meatballs.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
With your hands, shape the meat mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them out evenly.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through for an even golden-brown color. They’re done when they’re browned and cooked through.
5. Make the BBQ Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, prepare your bourbon honey BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, mix together the barbecue sauce, bourbon, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat and let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, making it extra delicious.
7. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
When the meatballs are fully cooked, carefully transfer them into the saucepan with your bourbon honey BBQ sauce. Gently toss them to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
8. Simmer Together:
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce on low heat for another 3-5 minutes. This step allows them to soak up all that tasty sauce for maximum flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sliders. Enjoy every bit of their sweet, smoky, and savory goodness!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter option. It may result in slightly drier meatballs, so adding a bit more milk or an extra egg can help keep them moist.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Spicier?
If you like a kick, you can add more cayenne pepper to the sauce or mix in some crushed red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture. You could also use a spicy BBQ sauce for added flavor!
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also cook them in advance and reheat them in the sauce before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on low heat on the stove until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of water or broth while stirring.
