These Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs are a tasty treat for any gathering! Made with juicy ground meat mixed with sweet honey and a hint of bourbon, they bring bold flavors everyone will love.
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them for every party! They’re super easy to whip up, and they’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for a juicy texture. You can use ground turkey for a lighter option, or even ground chicken, just keep in mind it may be a bit dryer, so adding a touch more milk could help.
Ground Pork: This adds great flavor! If you’re avoiding pork, you can use more ground beef, or even ground lamb for a unique twist.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. You can replace them with oat flour or crushed crackers if you’re gluten-free. Just adjust the quantity as needed.
Bourbon: This gives the sauce its unique flavor. If you can’t use whiskey, consider apple juice or broth for a non-alcoholic substitute. However, the taste will change without the bourbon’s depth!
Honey: For sweetness, feel free to use maple syrup or agave syrup if you are vegan. You may need to adjust the quantity based on your taste.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Are Tender and Juicy?
Getting tender meatballs is all about how you mix and cook them. Here’s what makes a difference:
- Mix gently: When combining ingredients, do it just until mixed. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Add moisture: Ingredients like milk and egg help keep meatballs moist. If you find your mixture is a bit dry, adding a splash more milk can help.
- Don’t skip the baking: Baking at a high temperature helps get a lovely crust while keeping the inside juicy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
By following these tips, you’ll have amazing meatballs that are sure to impress!
Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For The Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus 25 to 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can expect to spend around 45 minutes to make these delicious meatballs, from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your meatballs are ready to go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix; this helps keep your meatballs tender!
3. Form the Meatballs:
Now, roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs – about the size of a golf ball. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and starting to brown. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
5. Make the Sauce:
While your meatballs are baking, let’s whip up that flavorful sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the barbecue sauce, bourbon, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined.
6. Simmer the Sauce:
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to cook it down a little so it’s slightly thickened and packed with flavor.
7. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with your bourbon honey BBQ sauce. Stir everything around until the meatballs are evenly coated in that delicious sauce.
8. Heat Through:
Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together nicely.
9. Serve:
Finally, spoon those glossy, meatball beauties into a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. These meatballs are amazing served warm as an appetizer or over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying main dish!
Enjoy your deliciously rich and sticky Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs!
Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make your Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just be sure to check all sauces and other ingredients for gluten content as well.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes! This recipe is easily doubled. Just ensure you have a large enough baking sheet or cook in batches, and adjust the baking time slightly if needed. You can also prepare the sauce in a larger pot to accommodate the extra meatballs.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or additional sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Use a Different Type of Ground Meat?
Yes! You can definitely substitute the ground beef and pork with other types of meat. Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative will work. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they can vary a bit depending on the meat used.