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Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball

Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 meatballs 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Description

Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are juicy, smoky meatballs wrapped in crispy bacon, glazed with a rich bourbon BBQ sauce, and topped with melty sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for BBQ parties, game days, or a fun weeknight dinner, these bite-sized treats combine bold flavors and irresistible textures for a memorable cheeseburger twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 8 strips of bacon, cut in half
  • 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for spice
  • Ground turkey or chicken to replace beef
  • Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts
  • Alternative cheeses: pepper jack, smoked gouda, mozzarella
  • Plant-based ground meat and dairy-free cheese for vegetarian option

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mix: Combine ground beef, minced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter using your hands or a scoop.
  3. Wrap with Bacon: Cut bacon strips in half and tightly wrap each meatball with a bacon piece, securing with a toothpick if needed to keep the bacon in place.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place bacon-wrapped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through to crisp the bacon evenly.
  5. Glaze with Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Remove the meatballs from the oven and brush generously with bourbon BBQ sauce. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize.
  6. Add Cheese and Finish: Top each meatball with a slice or shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Bake for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly over the warm meatballs.

Notes

  • Choose Quality Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds better texture and flavor.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix meat ingredients only until combined to maintain juiciness.
  • Uniform Size: Make meatballs consistent in size for even cooking.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let meatballs sit for a few minutes after baking to lock in juices.
  • Make Your Own BBQ Sauce: Homemade bourbon BBQ sauce enhances fresh flavor.
  • Use a Wire Rack for Baking: Helps excess fat drip away, keeping bacon crispy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 meatballs
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: bourbon BBQ meatballs, bacon cheeseburger meatballs, BBQ appetizers, game day snacks, party meatballs, bacon wrapped meatballs, bourbon sauce meatballs

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Find it online: https://savortrack.com/sizzling-bourbon-bbq-bacon-cheeseburger-meatball/