Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Meatballs (Print-Friendly Version)
Juicy meatballs with bourbon, smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and creamy cheddar for bold flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatball Base
01 -
450 g lean ground beef
02 -
120 ml breadcrumbs (panko or gluten-free)
03 -
25 g grated Parmesan cheese
04 -
60 g finely chopped onion
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
60 ml BBQ sauce (smoky or honey flavor)
07 -
30 ml bourbon
08 -
1 large egg
09 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Add-ins
10 -
115 g shredded cheddar cheese
11 -
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
→ Garnish
12 -
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
# How to Make It:
01 -
Set the oven to 200°C to ensure even cooking and a crisp exterior.
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.
03 -
Carefully incorporate crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar to create flavorful pockets within the mixture.
04 -
Shape the mixture into 4 cm (1.5 inch) diameter meatballs, wetting hands slightly to prevent sticking.
05 -
Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 71°C.
06 -
In the final minutes, brush additional BBQ sauce on meatballs to achieve a glossy, flavorful coating.
07 -
Remove from oven, let rest for several minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to ensure tender meatballs.
02 -
Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 71°C for safe consumption.
03 -
Slightly wetting your hands helps in shaping without sticking.