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Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Meatballs

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These meatballs bring together ground beef seasoned with smoky bourbon and tangy BBQ sauce, enriched by crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. The mixture includes breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, and Parmesan to add texture and depth. After shaping into juicy portions, they bake to perfection with a final glaze of BBQ sauce, delivering a sticky, flavorful crust. Garnished with fresh parsley, they offer a satisfying balance of smoky, sweet, and savory notes, perfect for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece or versatile addition to your meals.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Sun, 14 Dec 2025 16:57:21 GMT
A close up of a cheeseburger with meatballs and bacon. Save
A close up of a cheeseburger with meatballs and bacon. | sarahmeal.com

The sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball transforms the simple meatball into a mouthwatering blend of smoky bourbon, rich BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese. This recipe takes the familiar comfort of a cheeseburger and turns it into an irresistible bite-sized treat. It is perfect for gatherings or a hearty family dinner that will make everyone’s taste buds sing.

I first made this during a weekend barbecue and was amazed at how quickly these disappeared. My family now requests them whenever we have guests over.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: One pound Choose lean for a healthier, juicy base
  • Breadcrumbs: Half cup Opt for panko for a crunchier texture or gluten-free if needed
  • Parmesan cheese: Quarter cup grated Adds a savory richness, nutritional yeast can replace for a vegan option
  • Onion: Quarter cup finely chopped Provides moisture and subtle sweetness
  • Garlic: Two cloves minced Brings aromatic depth and enhances flavors
  • BBQ sauce: Quarter cup Use your favorite brand, smoky or honey types work beautifully
  • Bourbon: Two tablespoons The star ingredient giving warmth and complexity
  • Egg: One Acts as a binder for perfect meatball texture
  • Salt and pepper: to taste Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors
  • Cheddar cheese: One cup shredded For that classic gooey cheeseburger surprise in every bite
  • Bacon: Four slices cooked crumbled Provides smoky crunch and savory punch
  • Fresh parsley: for garnish Optional but adds a fresh, vibrant touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. This temperature allows your meatballs to cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, BBQ sauce, bourbon, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using your hands until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing which can make the meatballs tough.
Incorporate Bacon and Cheese:
Carefully fold the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture. This creates pockets of smoky and cheesy goodness throughout each meatball.
Form the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 1.5 inch meatballs. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. This size helps to cook them through evenly while keeping them juicy.
Bake the Meatballs:
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit or 71 degrees Celsius.
Glaze with BBQ Sauce:
In the last few minutes of cooking, brush your meatballs with extra BBQ sauce. This adds a sticky, flavorful glaze that enhances the overall taste.
Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, let the meatballs rest a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add color and freshness.
A close up of a meatball sandwich with cheese and bacon. Save
A close up of a meatball sandwich with cheese and bacon. | sarahmeal.com

My favorite component is the bourbon which gives a subtle warmth and depth that perfectly complements the BBQ sauce. One memorable cookout, these meatballs stole the show and became the highlight of the party.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep them fresh. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag where they can keep well for up to three months. When reheating, the oven is best to preserve their juiciness. Microwave if needed but cover them softly to avoid drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner option without sacrificing juiciness if you switch from beef. Whole wheat breadcrumbs or oats can replace regular breadcrumbs to add fiber and a more wholesome texture. Reduced-fat cheese keeps the gooey factor but lowers calories if desired. Adding grated zucchini or carrots can boost moisture and nutrition without altering flavor noticeably.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs on toasted burger buns with lettuce, tomato, and extra BBQ sauce for a fun twist on a cheeseburger. Pair with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a hearty, comforting pasta dish. They also make excellent party appetizers when skewered with toothpicks alongside your favorite dipping sauces. Add sliced meatballs over a fresh green salad to boost a simple lunch with satisfying protein and smoky flavor.

Cultural Context

This recipe creatively blends traditional American barbecue flavors with the classic cheeseburger, a beloved staple of American cuisine. By transforming these elements into meatballs, it combines the convenience and shareability of a party appetizer with the satisfying flavors of a backyard cookout. It is a fun way to reinvent comfort food classics while celebrating bold, smoky, and tangy flavors.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Yes, assembling the meatballs ahead and refrigerating them allows flavors to meld while making last-minute cooking easier.

→ What is the ideal internal temperature for doneness?

Cook meatballs until the center reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure juiciness and safety.

→ How do the bacon and cheddar enhance the meatballs?

Bacon adds a smoky crunch and depth, while cheddar melts inside creating pockets of rich, creamy flavor.

→ Can I make these with alternative meats?

Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter option without sacrificing moisture and taste.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve texture and moisture.

Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Meatballs

Juicy meatballs with bourbon, smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and creamy cheddar for bold flavor.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Duration
40 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 12 Portion Size (12 meatballs)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Meatball Base

Ingredient 01 450 g lean ground beef
Ingredient 02 120 ml breadcrumbs (panko or gluten-free)
Ingredient 03 25 g grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient 04 60 g finely chopped onion
Ingredient 05 2 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 06 60 ml BBQ sauce (smoky or honey flavor)
Ingredient 07 30 ml bourbon
Ingredient 08 1 large egg
Ingredient 09 Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Add-ins

Ingredient 10 115 g shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient 11 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

→ Garnish

Ingredient 12 Fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Set the oven to 200°C to ensure even cooking and a crisp exterior.

Instruction 02

In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, BBQ sauce, bourbon, egg, salt, and pepper until just combined to avoid toughening the mixture.

Instruction 03

Carefully incorporate crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar to create flavorful pockets within the mixture.

Instruction 04

Shape the mixture into 4 cm (1.5 inch) diameter meatballs, wetting hands slightly to prevent sticking.

Instruction 05

Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 71°C.

Instruction 06

In the final minutes, brush additional BBQ sauce on meatballs to achieve a glossy, flavorful coating.

Instruction 07

Remove from oven, let rest for several minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Additional Tips

  1. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to ensure tender meatballs.
  2. Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 71°C for safe consumption.
  3. Slightly wetting your hands helps in shaping without sticking.

Essential Tools

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking tray lined with parchment paper
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy, egg, gluten, and possible allergens from bacon and cheese.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat Content: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 5 grams
  • Protein Content: 14 grams