Y’all, get ready for the most EPIC, flavor-packed meatballs of your life! These Bourbon BBQ Glazed Meatballs with Sweet Pineapple Chunks are about to transform your tastebuds into pure bliss. We’re talking a massive explosion of sweet, savory, and smoky goodness in every single bite. This dish is the ultimate comfort food with an insane, mind-blowing twist. Prepare to have your mind (and your stomach) blown, folks!
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon BBQ Glazed Meatballs with Sweet Pineapple Chunks
These meatballs are the stuff of legends – they’re incredibly easy to make, yet deliver a mind-blowing flavor experience that will have your guests begging for more. The bourbon BBQ glaze adds a delectable sweetness and subtle smoky kick, while the fresh pineapple chunks bring a refreshing, tropical twist. Together, they create a sensational flavor profile that’s sure to have everyone going absolutely wild. Plus, this recipe is endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own and truly turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to whip up these Bourbon BBQ Glazed Meatballs with Sweet Pineapple Chunks – ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, bourbon, BBQ sauce, and fresh pineapple chunks. The best part? You can easily swap out or add ingredients to make this dish your own unique creation.
- 2 lbs – Ground beef
- 1 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs
- 1 medium – Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 1/2 cup – Bourbon
- 1 cup – BBQ sauce
- 1 cup – Fresh pineapple chunks
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken would work just as well (for a leaner option)
- Pineapple: Diced mango or fresh berries would make a delicious substitute (if you’re not a pineapple fan)
How to Make Bourbon BBQ Glazed Meatballs with Sweet Pineapple Chunks
Let’s get this party started! We’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise, y’all.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to form those meatballs! Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, portion out the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly browned on the outside.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, it’s time to bring the flavor explosion. In a large skillet, combine the bourbon, BBQ sauce, and fresh pineapple chunks. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cooked meatballs and toss gently to coat them in the delectable glaze. Let the meatballs simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- BBQ Sauce Swap: Feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauce, from classic sweet to tangy and spicy.
- Sweetness Boost: You can also add a touch of brown sugar or honey to the glaze for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Heat It Up: For a bit of heat, try stirring in a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce.
- Bacon Wrapped: For a truly decadent treat, you can even wrap the meatballs in crispy bacon before baking.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Bourbon BBQ Glazed Meatballs with Sweet Pineapple Chunks are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking, or pile them high on a bed of fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes.
Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to indulge in this epic flavor sensation again.
Nutrition Information
These Bourbon BBQ Glazed Meatballs with Sweet Pineapple Chunks are a delicious way to satisfy your cravings while still keeping things relatively healthy. Each serving (about 3 meatballs) contains around 250 calories, 12 grams of fat, 23 grams of protein, and 15 grams of carbs. Plus, the pineapple chunks provide a nice boost of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.
- Serving Size: About 3 meatballs
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. You can also make the entire dish in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For an extra kick of heat, try adding a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce to the bourbon BBQ glaze. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Sure, you can use frozen pre-made meatballs to save time. Simply thaw them, then toss them in the bourbon BBQ glaze and pineapple chunks before simmering.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The meatballs are done when they’re no longer pink in the center and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! After baking the meatballs, simply add them to your slow cooker or Instant Pot with the bourbon BBQ glaze and pineapple chunks. Cook on low for 4-6 hours (slow cooker) or 10-15 minutes (Instant Pot) for the flavors to meld together.
Try These Next
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- Bourbon Glazed Whiskey Bbq Chicken Skewers For Game Day
- Smoky Maple Bourbon Bbq Meatballs With Tangy Dipping Sauce
Bourbon BBQ Glazed Meatballs with Sweet Pineapple Chunks
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beer, Whiskey & Wine Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bourbon BBQ Glazed Meatballs are tender and juicy, coated in a sweet and tangy bourbon BBQ sauce, complemented by sweet pineapple chunks. Perfect for parties or game day!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup bourbon
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned, drained
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through.
5. In a saucepan, heat bourbon over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add BBQ sauce and stir to combine.
6. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat.
7. Serve meatballs topped with pineapple chunks and additional sauce if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes to the BBQ sauce.
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated for serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatballs, bourbon, BBQ, appetizer