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Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs - featured image

These Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs combine smoky bacon, tangy bourbon, and gooey cheese for the ultimate BBQ party dish. Perfectly juicy and packed with bold flavors, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat)
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (for brushing and serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside on paper towels to drain and crumble once cooled. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion, garlic, bourbon, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
  4. Scoop out 1 ½ tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten slightly. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center, then roll into a ball, fully encasing the cheese.
  5. Roll each meatball in the crumbled bacon for a crispy, smoky coating.
  6. Arrange the meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
  7. In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the meatballs with BBQ sauce for a sticky, flavorful glaze.
  8. Let the meatballs cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the meat mixture. Keep cheddar cubes cold before stuffing to prevent them from melting out during baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon meatballs, bacon meatballs, cheeseburger meatballs, BBQ appetizer, party food