Get ready to transform your taste buds into a true flavor explosion! In this epic recipe, we’re taking classic BBQ meatballs to the next level by infusing them with the bold, smoky notes of whiskey. These Whiskey-Infused BBQ Meatball Sliders with a Kick are about to become your new favorite party trick that’ll have your friends begging for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Whiskey-Infused BBQ Meatball Sliders with a Kick
These Whiskey-Infused BBQ Meatball Sliders are the ultimate fusion of bold, badass flavors. The tender, juicy meatballs are packed with a secret ingredient – a generous splash of smooth, smoky whiskey – that takes the classic BBQ flavor profile to insane new heights. Topped with a tangy, spicy BBQ sauce and nestled between soft, pillowy slider buns, these sliders are about to become the star of your next backyard bash or game day gathering. Get ready for an explosion of meaty, boozy, and utterly mouthwatering deliciousness in every bite!
Ingredients
To whip up these Whiskey-Infused BBQ Meatball Sliders, you’ll need a few key ingredients: ground beef, breadcrumbs, an egg, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and of course, a hefty pour of your favorite whiskey. For the BBQ sauce, you’ll need ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a kick of cayenne pepper. Don’t forget the slider buns to hold all that flavor-packed goodness!
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1/2 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 1 – Egg
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup – Onion, diced
- 2 tbsp – Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 1/4 cup – Whiskey
- 1 cup – Ketchup
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp – Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp – Cayenne pepper
- 12 – Slider buns
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or pork (just as delicious)
- Whiskey: Substitute your favorite spirit, beer, or red wine (for a dietary swap)
How to Make Whiskey-Infused BBQ Meatball Sliders with a Kick
We’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise, y’all! Get ready for some serious whiskey-infused meatball magic.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Now for the fun part – add a generous splash of your favorite whiskey and mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Form the whiskey-infused beef mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the meatballs until they’re cooked through and lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the meatballs are baking, whip up the tangy, spicy BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the BBQ sauce until they’re fully coated.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
To assemble the sliders, place a few whiskey-infused BBQ meatballs on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with a generous drizzle of the remaining BBQ sauce and the top bun. Serve these epic sliders immediately, while they’re hot and oh-so-tempting!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add-Ins: Try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a crisp slice of bacon, or some pickled onions for an extra layer of flavor.
- Milder Version: Use a sweeter bourbon or reduce the amount of cayenne in the BBQ sauce for a milder flavor.
- Meat Blend: Get creative and make these meatballs with a blend of ground meats, like beef and pork or lamb and veal.
- Amped-Up Spice: For an extra kick, add a teaspoon or two of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or a frosty batch of homemade coleslaw.
Storage: Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before assembling the sliders.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture up to 2 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes for easy and stress-free party prep.
Nutrition Information
These Whiskey-Infused BBQ Meatball Sliders are a flavor explosion, but they also pack a nutritional punch. Each slider contains approximately 250 calories, 12 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbs, and 15 grams of protein. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation and balance out the indulgence with plenty of fresh veggies and a refreshing cocktail or mocktail.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 22 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to 2 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes for easy and stress-free party prep.
How can I make these sliders even spicier?
For an extra kick, add a teaspoon or two of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce. You can also up the cayenne pepper or try using a hotter variety of chili powder in the meatball mixture.
Can I use a different type of alcohol?
Definitely! While the whiskey adds an incredible depth of flavor, you can substitute in your favorite spirit, beer, or even red wine. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your taste.
How do I make these sliders gluten-free?
To make these sliders gluten-free, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko. You can also use a gluten-free slider bun or serve the meatballs over a bed of greens or cauliflower rice.
Can I freeze the leftover meatballs?
Absolutely! The whiskey-infused BBQ meatballs freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Try These Next
- Maple Bourbon Whiskey Bbq Chicken Sliders With Crunchy Slaw
- Spicy Chipotle Bbq Meatball Sliders With Crunchy Slaw
- Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders With Bbq Sauce
Whiskey-Infused BBQ Meatball Sliders with a Kick
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Category: Beer, Whiskey & Wine Recipes
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Whiskey-Infused BBQ Meatball Sliders are a smoky and savory delight, perfect for your next gathering. The combination of whiskey and spices gives these meatballs a unique kick that pairs beautifully with soft slider buns.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 large egg
1/4 cup whiskey
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 slider buns
Pickles for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, whiskey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a saucepan, heat BBQ sauce over medium heat. Once meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and stir to coat.
6. Toast the slider buns in the oven for 3-5 minutes until golden.
7. Assemble sliders by placing a meatball on each bun and adding pickles on top.
8. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce. Adjust the whiskey level according to your taste preference. These sliders are perfect for parties and game days!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: meatballs, sliders, whiskey BBQ, party food