Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion with these mouthwatering Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs! Combining the bold taste of bourbon, the tangy sweetness of BBQ sauce, the melty goodness of cheddar cheese, and the savory crunch of bacon, this recipe is a true delight for your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a comforting and delicious meal, these meatballs are sure to become a new family favorite.
Table of Contents
Sweet and Smoky Bacon BBQ Meatballs with Cheddar
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs 1x
Description
Get ready to experience the ultimate flavor explosion with these irresistible Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs! Combining the savory richness of ground beef, the comforting texture of breadcrumbs, and the gooey goodness of cheddar cheese, these meatballs are taken to new heights with the addition of crispy bacon and a tantalizing bourbon-infused BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean)
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or fine)
1 large egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp bourbon (or apple juice for non-alcoholic)
2 tbsp chopped chives (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix until just combined, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Form the meat mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
3. In a small saucepan, combine BBQ sauce and bourbon. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once baked, transfer meatballs to a large bowl and pour the bourbon BBQ sauce over them. Toss gently to coat and sprinkle with the remaining crumbled bacon.
5. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped chives before serving.
Notes
For a healthier version, consider using leaner ground beef and substituting turkey or plant-based bacon.
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredients Breakdown: The Key to Flavorful Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs
The secret to these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs lies in the carefully selected ingredients. Let’s dive into the details:
- Ground Beef: Choose a lean ground beef with a good fat content (around 80/20) for the perfect texture and juiciness.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs or homemade breadcrumbs add a light and crispy texture to the meatballs.
- Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together and adding moisture.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These spices enhance the overall flavor profile, creating a savory and irresistible base.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, providing that gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a delightful smoky and salty element to the meatballs.
- BBQ Sauce: A tangy and slightly sweet BBQ sauce coats the meatballs in a finger-licking glaze.
- Bourbon: A touch of bourbon (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic option) adds a subtle depth of flavor to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Baked Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs
Ready to bring these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs to life? Follow this easy step-by-step guide for mouthwatering results:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the crumbled bacon. Mix everything together until well incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into equal-sized meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the bourbon BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce and bourbon (or apple juice) over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once the meatballs are out of the oven, toss them in the prepared bourbon BBQ sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon over the top of the meatballs.
- Garnish with chopped chives or green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Bourbon BBQ Sauce: The Secret Ingredient
The bourbon BBQ sauce is the real star of the show in these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs. The addition of bourbon (or apple juice, if you prefer a non-alcoholic version) takes the sauce to new heights, adding a subtle complexity and depth of flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
The key to the sauce is to let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This ensures that the meatballs are coated in a rich, glossy glaze that will have your guests licking their fingers in delight.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs
These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs can be served as a delectable appetizer or a satisfying main course. For appetizer-sized portions, serve them on toothpicks or skewers, accompanied by extra bourbon BBQ sauce for dipping. As a main dish, pair the meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete and comforting meal.
When it comes to beverages, the bourbon theme can be carried through with a classic Old Fashioned or a smooth bourbon on the rocks. For a non-alcoholic option, a crisp lager or a refreshing iced tea would also complement the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information and Healthier Alternatives
Each serving of these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs contains approximately 350 calories, 25 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbohydrates, and 22 grams of protein. While they are undoubtedly delicious, they can be modified to fit a healthier lifestyle.
To reduce the calorie and fat content, you can use a leaner ground beef, such as 93% lean, and opt for reduced-fat or low-fat cheddar cheese. Additionally, you can replace the bourbon with apple juice or a non-alcoholic bourbon-flavored syrup. For a gluten-free version, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
FAQs About Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatball
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these meatballs gluten-free by substituting the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a leaner alternative. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the overall recipe will work just as well.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance. Form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the meatballs ahead of time and reheat them in the bourbon BBQ sauce when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for bourbon if I don’t want to use alcohol?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with an equal amount of apple juice or cider. This will provide a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol content.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
- BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatball Poppers
- Mozzarella Stuffed BBQ Meatball Bombs
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bacon Stuffed Shells
Conclusion
These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs are a flavor-packed, irresistible dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a comforting, homemade meal, these meatballs are sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatball experience!
Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.