Hey, y'all! These Bourbon BBQ Cocktail Meatballs are one of those recipes you can count on whenever you need something warm and easy to serve. Frozen meatballs simmer in a rich sauce made with smoky barbecue sauce, Kentucky bourbon, honey, and sweet chili sauce until they're coated in a thick, glossy glaze that's full of flavor.
Bourbon BBQ Cocktail Meatballs
The slow cooker does almost all the work, making this recipe a great option when you want to keep things simple. Serve them straight from the crockpot as an appetizer at a party; I like to use individual toothpicks! Additionally, you can spoon them over rice or mashed potatoes for an easy meal!
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Ingredients: Bourbon BBQ Cocktail Meatballs
- 1 bag frozen meatballs
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 cup Kentucky bourbon
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Bourbon BBQ Cocktail Meatballs
- Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. For easy cleanup, line the slow cooker with a disposable liner if desired.
- Pour in the barbecue sauce, Kentucky bourbon, honey, and sweet chili sauce. Season with garlic powder and red pepper flakes to taste, then stir until the meatballs are evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on Low for about 4 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.
- Give the meatballs a final stir before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
- Stir the meatballs once or twice while cooking so they're evenly coated in the sauce.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce to customize the flavor.
- Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last 20–30 minutes if you'd like it a little thicker.
- Keep the slow cooker on the Warm setting for serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Prepare the meatballs a day ahead and reheat them in the slow cooker on the Warm setting before serving.
Absolutely. Cook the meatballs first, then add them to the slow cooker with the sauce.
They're great with toothpicks as an appetizer or served over rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or slider buns for a heartier meal.
Choose a good-quality Kentucky bourbon that you enjoy drinking, but save the expensive bottles for sipping. Brands like Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Evan Williams, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey, or Four Roses all work well and add great flavor to the sauce.
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Recipe
Bourbon BBQ Cocktail Meatballs
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen meatballs
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 cup Kentucky bourbon
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- Garlic powder to taste
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. For easy cleanup, line the slow cooker with a disposable liner if desired.
- Pour in the barbecue sauce, Kentucky bourbon, honey, and sweet chili sauce. Season with garlic powder and red pepper flakes to taste, then stir until the meatballs are evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on Low for about 4 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.
- Give the meatballs a final stir before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Stir the meatballs once or twice while cooking so they're evenly coated in the sauce.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce to customize the flavor.
- Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last 20–30 minutes if you'd like it a little thicker.
- Keep the slow cooker on the Warm setting for serving.
Nutrition
Y'all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
