Easy BBQ Bourbon Meatballs Recipe

This easy recipe for BBQ Bourbon Meatballs is going to become a favorite appetizer or party food.  I love how simple this is to make when you make them in the slow cooker!  Don’t let the name bourbon fool you – these aren’t boozy meatballs, but rich bbq flavored with just a hint of bourbon undertones.

BBQ Glazed Bourbon Meatballs

There is nothing easier than grabbing some frozen turkey meatballs and throwing them into the slow cooker with your favorite sauce.  This recipe for bourbon meatballs includes a homemade barbecue bourbon glaze that is rich in flavor, but still healthier than most of your store-bought sauces.

If you are worried about them tasting too much like bourbon, don’t.  This recipe is very mild with just a hint of alcohol to add flavor.

Can I just consider Bourbon to be flavorful corn?

That is a question only you can answer. It is true that Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey, a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. If you prefer to cross out “bourbon” on the recipe and write in “expertly fermented, distilled and aged corn,” we will not dampen your creative spirits.

Can I Use This Sauce with Homemade Meatballs? 

Of course, you can! I like an easier recipe sometimes, and this one is great because it really is just dumping things together to cook.  Sometimes it is better to make a homemade meatball and cook them down before pouring on this bourbon glaze.  You can also line the bottom of your slow cooker or even Instant pot with raw meatballs, top with the sauce, and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

What Bourbon Should I Use for The BBQ Glaze? 

For this recipe, you are really only looking for a bit of additional flavor, so any bourbon will work.  Since you are only including a small amount, there is no need to get anything special.  In fact, if you don’t normally keep bourbon on hand, you may want to ask at your local liquor store if they have single-serving bottles for you to use in this recipe.’;lll,,lIngredients for Bourbon Meatballs

• Turkey meatballs
• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Bourbon
• Yellow mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

How to Make BBQ Glazed Bourbon Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat.

Spread the meatballs in a single layer and bake until heated through 18-20 minutes.

While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce by whisking the rest of the ingredients together in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.

Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, then add the cooked meatballs to the pan and gently toss to evenly coat.

Serve as an appetizer, or with optional rice or quinoa as an entree.

Pro tip: If you’d like even more bourbon flavor, add 2 tablespoons; just keep in mind that the calculated nutrition is for 1 tablespoon.

Recipe

Recipe

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Easy BBQ Glazed Bourbon Meatballs

Created by: Brooke Farmer

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

4 servings

This recipe for Easy Barbecue Bourbon Meatballs is going to become a family favorite! A simple homemade sauce over pre-made meatballs makes for an easy meal!

Ingredients

 

• 1 24-count bag fully cooked frozen turkey meatballs
• ½ cup reduced-sugar ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon bourbon
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350° F and line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat.
• Spread the meatballs in a single layer and bake until heated through, 18-20 minutes.
• While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce by whisking the rest of the ingredients together in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
• Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, then add the cooked meatballs to the pan and gently toss to evenly coat.
• Serve as an appetizer, or with optional rice or quinoa as an entree.

Notes

Tip: 

• If you’d like even more bourbon flavor, add 2 tablespoons; just keep in mind we calculated nutrition for 1 tablespoon.

SmartPoints: 6

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