Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even cooking of the meatballs.
- 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.
- 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.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into uniform 1.5-inch meatballs to ensure even baking time and cooking.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
