These Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs are a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The bourbon adds a rich depth, while the honey balances the heat and smokiness of the BBQ sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser at parties or family dinners.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce:
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons bourbon
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, bourbon, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the bourbon honey BBQ sauce over the meatballs and toss them gently to coat.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the meatballs soak in the sauce for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serve these meatballs with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad to complete the meal.
You can make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and freeze them before baking. Just bake them when ready to serve.
Can I use a different kind of meat? Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used in place of ground beef.
Can I make the sauce spicier? If you prefer a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.
Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs are a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The bourbon adds a rich depth, while the honey balances the heat and smokiness of the BBQ sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser at parties or family dinners.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce:
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons bourbon
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
While the meatballs bake, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, bourbon, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the bourbon honey BBQ sauce over the meatballs and toss them gently to coat.
Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the meatballs soak in the sauce for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serve these meatballs with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad to complete the meal.
You can make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: ~20g