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Savory Bourbon Meatballs

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These savory bourbon meatballs are a quick and easy game day snack featuring a smoky-sweet bourbon glaze that creates a sticky, rich coating with a perfect umami kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/3 cup bourbon (about 2.7 fl oz)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 20-24 total, keeping them uniform in size.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and crusty. Remove and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same pan, add bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy, being careful not to burn.
  5. Return meatballs to the pan and toss gently to coat with the bourbon glaze. Cook together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and allow glaze to cling.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid tough meatballs. Use uniform size for even cooking. Simmer the glaze gently to prevent burning. If glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water or bourbon to loosen. Rest meatballs off heat for a few minutes before serving to thicken glaze. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour and soy sauce with tamari. For a sweeter glaze, add maple syrup. Can bake meatballs at 400°F for 20 minutes as an alternative to searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon meatballs, game day snacks, savory meatballs, bourbon glaze, easy meatball recipe

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/savory-bourbon-meatballs-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-game-day-snacks/