Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Get ready for the ultimate smoky, bourbon-infused meatballs with a spicy maple glaze that’s going to make your taste buds explode with excitement! These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatballs are about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise you won’t be able to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Maple Glaze
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatballs are an absolute INSANE dish that’s going to leave your friends and family drooling with serious food jealousy. The combination of smoky, bold bourbon flavor and the sweet, fiery maple glaze is an explosion of epic proportions in your mouth. This recipe is a revolutionary way to transform ordinary meatballs into a legendary, mind-blowing culinary experience. Get ready to smash this dish and become the ultimate flavor boss in your kitchen!
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a mouth-watering blend of ground beef, bacon, bourbon, BBQ sauce, and a few other simple ingredients to create the most incredible, irresistible meatballs you’ve ever tasted. The spicy maple glaze is the cherry on top, taking these meatballs to new sensational heights.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 6 slices – Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup – Bourbon
- 1/2 cup – BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 1 – Egg, beaten
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp – Salt
- 1/4 tsp – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or pork (for a different flavor profile)
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce (to customize the taste)
How to Make Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Maple Glaze
This recipe is super easy to make and comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble it up. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, bourbon, BBQ sauce, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Form the meat mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter, and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and slightly charred on the outside.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the meatballs are baking, make the spicy maple glaze by whisking together 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. When the meatballs are done, toss them in the glaze until they’re fully coated. Get ready for the most mouth-watering, flavor-packed meatballs you’ve ever experienced!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Heat It Up: Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture for an extra kick of heat.
- Customize the Glaze: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the glaze to your desired spice level.
- Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or pork instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead: You can make the meatballs in advance and freeze them for easy reheating later. Just be sure to let them thaw completely before tossing them in the glaze.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the meatballs in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can make the meatballs in advance and freeze them for easy reheating later.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatballs are a protein-packed, flavor-loaded dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Each serving contains around 300 calories, 18g of fat, 25g of protein, and 15g of carbs. Indulge in this sensational recipe without any guilt!
- Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or pork if you prefer.
How spicy is the glaze?
The amount of cayenne pepper in the glaze can be adjusted to your desired heat level. Start with a small amount and add more if you want an extra kick of spice.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make the meatballs in advance. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing them in the fridge or freezer. When ready to serve, reheat the meatballs and then toss them in the glaze.
How long will the leftovers last?
Leftover Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce in this recipe. The bold, smoky flavor of the bourbon will complement any BBQ sauce you choose.
Try These Next
- Smoky Maple Bourbon Brisket With Sweet Potato Mash
- Spicy Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake With Maple Drizzle
- Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites With Spicy Honey Drizzle
Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Maple Glaze
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍖 SMOKE HOUSE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a spicy maple glaze that adds a touch of sweetness and heat. Perfect for any BBQ or gathering!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, combine BBQ sauce, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until heated through.
6. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the spicy maple glaze until coated.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra heat, adjust the cayenne pepper according to your taste.
These meatballs can also be cooked on the grill for a smoky flavor.
Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: meatballs, BBQ, bourbon, spicy, maple