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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 150 reviews

These Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are a delightful fusion of smoky bourbon, tangy BBQ sauce, and classic cheeseburger flavors, wrapped into juicy meatballs loaded with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a party appetizer or a savory main dish, they bake to perfection with a caramelized BBQ glaze.

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoon bourbon
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • Extra BBQ sauce for glazing
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s at the right temperature for even baking of the meatballs.
  2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, minced garlic, BBQ sauce, bourbon, egg, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Add Cheese and Bacon: Fold in the crumbled cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese into the meatball mixture evenly, distributing the savory flavors throughout.
  4. Shape Meatballs: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
  5. Bake Meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
  6. Glaze with BBQ Sauce: In the final few minutes of baking, brush the meatballs generously with extra BBQ sauce. Return to the oven to let the glaze caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful coating.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Remove the meatballs from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot for a sizzling, delicious experience.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease but retain juiciness.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Bourbon adds a smoky depth but can be omitted or replaced with additional BBQ sauce for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid dense meatballs.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
  • Leftover meatballs can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture retention.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/bourbon-bbq-bacon-meatballs-recipe/