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Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

A plate of delicious Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits.

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Bite-sized meatballs with a smoky bourbon glaze, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for game day or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup bourbon glaze (recipe below)
  • 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Toothpicks for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
  5. While the meatballs bake, prepare the bourbon glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup bourbon, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  6. Once the meatballs are cooked, drain any excess fat. Return the meatballs to the saucepan with the bourbon glaze and toss to coat.
  7. Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the meatballs. Stir gently until the cheese begins to melt.
  8. Serve immediately with toothpicks, or transfer to a slow cooker on the “warm” setting to keep them hot for parties. Offer your favorite dipping sauces on the side.

Notes

  • For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground beef.
  • These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated.
  • Consider serving with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

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