Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? I’m Chef Maxine “Max” Delarue from Maxivore.com, and I’m about to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary food adventure with my Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders. This recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it! We’re talking tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a rich, smoky bourbon barbecue sauce, all nestled in soft, pillowy buns. Trust me, this dish will cause some serious food jealousy among your friends and family. Are you ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise?
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders
This epic recipe is the ultimate fusion of bold, smoky flavors and finger-licking good barbecue. The meatballs are made with a secret blend of spices that will have your taste buds dancing, while the bourbon-infused sauce adds a delectable sweetness and depth of flavor. These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders are the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and just the right amount of heat. Plus, the mini slider format makes them the ultimate party food or game day snack. You won’t be able to resist devouring these insanely tempting and irresistible bites!
Ingredients
To create these Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders, you’ll need a few key ingredients: ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne for a subtle kick. For the sensational sauce, you’ll need ketchup, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of spices. Don’t forget the soft, pillowy slider buns to hold all that explosive flavor!
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1/2 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup – Onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp – Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp – Cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup – Ketchup
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 1/4 cup – Bourbon
- 2 tbsp – Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Onion powder
- 1 tsp – Chili powder
- 12 – Slider buns
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bourbon: Whiskey or rum (they’ll add a similar smoky, caramelized flavor)
- Cayenne pepper: Omit if you don’t like spice (or adjust amount to your preference)
How to Make Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders
Alright, let’s get cookin’! I’m about to show you how to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with these Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by mixing together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. Gently form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, brown the meatballs over medium-high heat until they’re nicely seared on all sides. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through yet – they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Time to make the epic Smoky Bourbon BBQ Sauce! In a separate saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of spices. Let the sauce simmer until it’s thick and glossy. Gently add the browned meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes, until they’re cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Pile the saucy meatballs onto your soft, pillowy slider buns and get ready for an explosion of flavor in your mouth! Top them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or scallions for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Coleslaw Topping: Add a dollop of tangy coleslaw on top of the meatballs for a refreshing contrast.
- Crispy Onion Strings: Sprinkle some crispy fried onion strings over the sliders for a delightful crunch.
- Mixed Meat: Try using a blend of ground beef and pork for an even more flavorful meatball.
- Extra Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the bourbon barbecue sauce for an extra bold flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A side of crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to enjoy again.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This makes the assembly process a breeze on the day of serving.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders are a delicious indulgence, but with a few simple tweaks, you can make them a bit lighter and more health-conscious. Each slider packs around 150 calories, with a hearty serving of protein to keep you feeling satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This makes the assembly process a breeze on the day of serving.
Can I use pre-made barbecue sauce instead of making my own?
Of course! If you’re short on time, feel free to use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce. Just be sure to add a splash of bourbon to give it that signature Smoky Bourbon flavor.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and serving them on gluten-free slider buns.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Definitely! To bake the meatballs, simply arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to add a bit more cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture or stir in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the bourbon barbecue sauce.
Try These Next
- Smoky Bourbon Bbq Brisket Sliders With Tangy Coleslaw
- Smoky Bourbon Bbq Meatballs With Spicy Maple Glaze
- Smoky Applewood Pulled Pork Sliders With Tangy Bbq Sauce
Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: 🍖 SMOKE HOUSE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious smoky bourbon BBQ meatball sliders are perfect for parties or game day, with tender meatballs coated in a rich and flavorful sauce, served on slider buns.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef 1/2 pound ground pork 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 large egg 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1 cup BBQ sauce 1/4 cup bourbon 12 slider buns Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Mix until well combined. 3. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet. 4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. 5. While the meatballs are baking, combine BBQ sauce and bourbon in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes. 6. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan with the BBQ sauce and stir to coat. 7. Slice the slider buns in half and lightly toast them. 8. Assemble the sliders by placing a meatball on each bun and drizzling extra BBQ sauce over the top. 9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture. These sliders can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just add extra cooking time when baking from frozen. Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce to your liking; a sweeter sauce pairs well with the bourbon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: meatballs, BBQ, sliders, bourbon