Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are a delicious twist on classic meatballs, packed with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a touch of bourbon-infused BBQ sauce. Perfect as a party appetizer or a hearty meal, they bring bold flavors and juicy texture in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for glazing
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, bourbon, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
3. Step 3: Fold in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Step 4: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
5. Step 5: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned.
6. Step 6: In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the meatballs with additional BBQ sauce to create a sticky glaze.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations

• Use low-sodium bacon to control salt levels and adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra smoky heat.
• Serve with toothpicks and extra BBQ sauce for easy appetizers.
• For a cheeseburger twist, add finely chopped pickles or a dash of mustard into the mixture.
• If you prefer a less boozy flavor, reduce the bourbon amount or replace it with a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. These meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs without alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the bourbon or substitute it with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar or extra BBQ sauce to maintain the flavor balance without alcohol.

What type of ground beef is best for these meatballs?

Use ground beef with about 80% lean meat for juicy and flavorful meatballs. Leaner beef can result in drier meatballs, while higher fat content helps keep them moist.

Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 96 reviews

These Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs combine savory ground beef with smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy bourbon-infused BBQ sauce. Baked to juicy perfection and finished with a glossy BBQ glaze, they make an irresistible appetizer or main dish that’s bursting with bold, smoky flavors and a hint of sweetness.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 meatballs 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatball Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for glazing)
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Add-ins

• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even cooking of the meatballs.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, BBQ sauce, bourbon, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined to avoid overworking the meat, which can toughen the meatballs.
3. Incorporate Bacon and Cheese: Fold in the crumbled cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, distributing evenly throughout the mixture for pockets of cheesy, smoky flavor in every bite.
4. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into uniform 1.5-inch meatballs to ensure even baking time and cooking.
5. Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Glaze with BBQ Sauce: In the final 3 to 5 minutes of baking, brush each meatball generously with additional BBQ sauce to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest briefly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor, then serve hot and enjoy your sizzling bourbon BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatballs!

Notes

• Ensure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid undercooked or overcooked meatballs.
• Substitute bourbon with apple juice or additional BBQ sauce if avoiding alcohol.
• For crispier bacon, cook and crumble it before mixing it in.
• These meatballs pair well with toasted buns or a side of coleslaw for a full meal.

Keywords: bourbon BBQ meatballs, bacon cheeseburger meatballs, baked meatballs, smoky meatballs, party appetizer