Sweet Bourbon Meatballs with Pepper Glaze

Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the zest of bell peppers. If you’re searching for a mouth-watering appetizer or a hearty main dish, Sweet Bourbon Meatballs with Pepper Glaze are your answer. They are not just another meatball recipe; these succulent bites are smothered in a sweet and tangy glaze that is sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering. Perfect for game day, holiday parties, or a cozy dinner at home, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and irresistibly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Sweet Bourbon Meatballs with Pepper Glaze is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s a celebration of flavor that brings joy to your taste buds. Here are a few reasons you’ll fall in love with these meatballs:

• Flavor Explosion: The sweet bourbon glaze combines perfectly with the savory meatballs, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. The addition of bell peppers adds a fresh crunch, ensuring a delightful texture.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, these meatballs can be whipped up in no time. Perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings!
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, over rice, or with pasta. They’re incredibly versatile and can fit into any meal plan.
• Impressive Presentation: These meatballs look as good as they taste! Their glossy glaze and vibrant colors make them a showstopper on any table.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish. The sweetness of the glaze balances the meatiness, making it palatable for all ages.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Cooking is all about experimentation and finding joy in creating something delicious for yourself and loved ones. Here’s why this Sweet Bourbon Meatballs with Pepper Glaze recipe should be on your cooking list:

• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of bourbon, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a unique flavor profile that you won’t find in traditional meatball recipes. This sweet and savory contrast tantalizes the palate.
• Healthier Option: By using lean ground beef and fresh ingredients, you can indulge without the guilt. Plus, you can easily modify the recipe to include turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, these meatballs make for an inviting dish that encourages sharing and enjoyment.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. Just heat them up when you’re ready to serve!
• Great for Meal Prep: If you’re looking to meal prep, these meatballs are perfect! They store well and can be paired with various sides throughout the week.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create these delicious Sweet Bourbon Meatballs with Pepper Glaze, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Ingredients for the Bourbon Glaze

• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (red and green)

Recommended Tools

To achieve the best results, gather the following utensils:

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Medium saucepan
• Meatball scoop or spoon
• Cooking spatula or tongs

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process for these irresistible Sweet Bourbon Meatballs with Pepper Glaze:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the meatballs from sticking.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
3. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a meatball scoop, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
5. Prepare the Bourbon Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
6. Add the Bell Peppers: Stir in the diced bell peppers and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened. This step enhances the glaze’s flavor and adds a pop of color.
7. Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the bourbon glaze. Gently toss the meatballs in the glaze until they are well coated, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
8. Serve: Serve the sweet bourbon meatballs warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. Pair them with toothpicks for easy serving at gatherings!

FAQs

Conclusion

In summary, Sweet Bourbon Meatballs with Pepper Glaze are a fantastic dish that merges savory and sweet flavors for an unforgettable experience. With easy preparation, impressive presentation, and family-friendly appeal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments or share this recipe with friends! Try making these meatballs for your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!

For more delicious recipes, check out some of our favorites: Spicy Garlic Fish Bites, Honey Mustard Chicken Cubes, and Crispy Salmon Strips.

For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest board: Sweet Bourbon Meatballs with Pepper Glaze.

Sweet Bourbon Meatballs with Pepper Glaze

These Sweet Bourbon Meatballs are a delightful combination of savory and sweet, coated in a rich bourbon glaze with a hint of spice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Medium saucepan

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup Onion, chopped
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 Large egg
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

Bourbon Glaze Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Bourbon
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup Bell peppers, diced (red and green)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned.
• While the meatballs are baking, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
• Stir in the diced bell peppers and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened.
• Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the bourbon glaze. Gently toss the meatballs in the glaze until they are well coated.
• Serve the sweet bourbon meatballs warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For an extra kick, you can add more cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture or the glaze.

Keyword bourbon, glaze, meatballs