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.

Easy Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs Recipe

Name: Sweet and Smoky Bacon BBQ Meatballs with Cheddar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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

Scale

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)

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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