Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Elevate your appetizer game with these Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs! Juicy, flavorful meatballs infused with smoky bacon and rich bourbon bring the classic cheeseburger experience to a bite-sized treat. Perfect for BBQ gatherings or game day, these meatballs are sure to impress with their robust flavors and easy-to-eat style. Make them ahead for stress-free entertaining and watch them disappear at your next party!

Nora Ellis

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2025-12-01T10:54:45.920Z

These Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are a delightful twist on traditional meatballs, perfect for any social gathering.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, a cozy winter gathering, or a lively game day watch party, Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are the perfect addition to your menu. Their robust flavors are sure to delight your guests, while their bite-sized nature makes them easy to enjoy while mingling. Plus, these meatballs can be prepped in advance, allowing you to spend more time with friends and family and less time in the kitchen.

The versatility of these meatballs is unmatched; they can be served with a variety of dipping sauces or simply by themselves. For a fun twist, consider pairing them with a spicy ketchup or a tangy barbecue sauce. No matter how you serve them, these meatballs will be a hit at your next event.

Flavor Profile

These meatballs bring together a delightful combination of flavors that mimic a classic cheeseburger experience in a convenient package. The rich, savory ground beef provides the perfect base, while the smoky, crumbled bacon adds that extra depth you crave. Infusing the mixture with bourbon not only enhances the flavor but also imparts a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the meat.

Adding sharp cheddar cheese takes the flavor over the top. Melting into the meatballs, it provides a creamy texture and enhances the cheeseburger essence. Spices like onion and garlic powder add aromatic notes, elevating the overall taste profile and making these meatballs unforgettable.

Storage and Reheating

One of the best features of these Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs is their great storage capability. After you've cooked a batch, you can easily store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, these meatballs freeze exceptionally well. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a zip-top bag, where they can be stored for up to three months.

When it's time to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze. For the best results, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until they're warmed through. This method helps maintain moisture and flavor, making them just as delicious as when they were first cooked.

Ingredients

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Gather all ingredients before starting.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, breadcrumbs, bourbon, cheddar cheese, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Form Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.

Bake

Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Let the meatballs cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

To truly set the stage for these delicious meatballs, consider serving them on a platter with an assortment of side dishes. Crispy potato wedges, a fresh garden salad, or a selection of colorful vegetable skewers make great companions and create a balanced meal. You might also think about making mini slider buns for those who want the full cheeseburger experience in a more traditional form.

For a fun twist, you could set up a meatball bar. Provide a variety of toppings such as diced onions, pickles, lettuce, and different sauces, so your guests can customize their bites. This interactive element will not only delight your visitors but will also encourage mingling and conversation.

Meal Prep Made Easy

Preparing Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs ahead of time is not just a convenience—it's a game changer. You can mix and shape the meatballs a day in advance and keep them in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This prep ahead of time helps you streamline your entertaining, so you can focus on having a great time with your guests.

If you're short on time on the day of your gathering, consider making a large batch and freezing them. This way, you'll always have a tasty appetizer ready to go. Just remember to adjust your baking time when cooking from frozen!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and store them in the refrigerator or freeze them for later use.

Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Elevate your appetizer game with these Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs! Juicy, flavorful meatballs infused with smoky bacon and rich bourbon bring the classic cheeseburger experience to a bite-sized treat. Perfect for BBQ gatherings or game day, these meatballs are sure to impress with their robust flavors and easy-to-eat style. Make them ahead for stress-free entertaining and watch them disappear at your next party!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Nora Ellis

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 30 meatballs

What You'll Need

Meatball Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
  3. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  4. 1/4 cup bourbon
  5. 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  6. 1 egg
  7. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  8. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  9. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, breadcrumbs, bourbon, cheddar cheese, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Step 03

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.

Step 04

Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Protein: 20g