Description
These Masterclass Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are packed with crispy bacon, stuffed with melty cheddar cheese, baked until juicy, and finished in a rich bourbon barbecue glaze. They’re the ultimate party appetizer or hearty main dish for barbecue lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 680g lean ground beef (85/15)
- 100g thick-cut bacon, cooked and finely chopped
- 50g panko breadcrumbs
- 60ml whole milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 110g sharp cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
- 120ml bourbon whiskey
- 240ml smoky barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the milk and let stand for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, beaten egg, and prepared panade.
- Mix gently until just combined.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center.
- Wrap the meat completely around the cheese and roll into a smooth meatball.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, add the bourbon to a saucepan and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Add the baked meatballs to the saucepan.
- Gently toss until every meatball is coated in the bourbon barbecue glaze.
- Serve hot with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the beef mixture to keep the meatballs tender. Be sure the cheddar is completely sealed inside each meatball to prevent the cheese from leaking during baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 120mg