Print

Savory Bourbon Glazed Meatballs

bourbon glazed meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

These bourbon glazed meatballs offer a smoky, savory punch with a sweet-savory balance, perfect for easy party appetizers that impress without stress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until evenly combined without overworking.
  3. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls about 1 to 1.25 inches in diameter.
  4. Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and browned (internal temperature 160°F).
  5. While meatballs bake, combine bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer the glaze gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy.
  7. Transfer baked meatballs into the simmering glaze using tongs or a slotted spoon and toss gently to coat. Warm together for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Serve immediately with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Use uniform size for even cooking. Simmer glaze slowly to avoid burning. Can substitute bourbon with apple cider vinegar and maple syrup for non-alcoholic version. For gluten-free, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. Can pan-fry instead of baking for a crispier crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon glazed meatballs, party appetizers, savory meatballs, easy meatball recipe, bourbon glaze

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/savory-bourbon-glazed-meatballs-recipe-easy-party-appetizers/