Bourbon Meatballs

Bourbon is so much more than just a delicious sipper. I love it in classic bourbon cocktails like old fashioneds and Manhattans, but before bourbon meatballs, I had never tried adding a splash to savory dishes. This bourbon meatball recipe made me realize what I’d been missing!

A sweet sauce with bourbon, brown sugar, mustard and vinegar coats premade beef meatballs from the freezer aisle, making this one of the easiest recipes out there. The sauce ingredients accentuate whiskey’s caramel and oak barrel notes, and add tanginess. Bourbon meatballs are perfect as Kentucky Derby appetizers for a race viewing party, but they’re tasty enough to be an easy app for holiday parties or casual dinners.

Ingredients for Bourbon Meatballs

• Beef meatballs: Look for packages of fully cooked meatballs in the freezer case. Some of the best meatballs are made with Angus beef, but plain beef or beef-and-pork meatballs will work.
• Bourbon: The goal is to bring bourbon flavors like caramel, vanilla and oak into the meatball sauce. Any of the best bourbon brands work here, including Evan Williams Black Label, an affordable whiskey with a strong flavor profile and a smooth finish.
• Brown sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar in the sauce. Both contain molasses, but the flavor is more pronounced in dark brown sugar.
• Brown mustard: This type of mustard adds zing to the sweet bourbon meatball recipe.
• White vinegar: Vinegar balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients and gives the meatballs an irresistible, tangy flavor. Apple cider vinegar would also work here.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the meatballs

Prepare the meatballs following the package directions.

Step 2: Make the sauce

In a large skillet, whisk together the bourbon, vinegar, brown sugar and mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook it for five minutes. Stir the prepared meatballs into the skillet, and simmer them until they’re heated through, about five minutes.

Editor’s Tip: The meatballs and sauce can be served immediately or kept warm in a slow cooker. A slow cooker is a perfect option when serving them as an appetizer at a party or potluck.

Bourbon Meatballs Variations

• Try other meatballs: The sweet and tangy bourbon meatball sauce is just as delicious with frozen chicken, turkey or sausage meatballs.
• Add diced peppers and onions: Saute bell peppers and sweet onion in a small amount of oil until they’re softened. Stir them into the sauce with the meatballs.

How to Store Bourbon Meatballs

These bourbon meatballs are sure to disappear fast, but if you have any leftovers, they should be stored in the fridge. Transfer the cooled meatballs and sauce to a food storage container and seal it tightly. Bourbon meatballs will last for up to four days in the fridge.

Can you freeze bourbon meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze this bourbon meatball recipe. Transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe container and seal it, pressing out all the air if you’re using resealable bags. Freeze the meatballs for up to two months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them. One thing to remember is that because the meatballs were frozen once already, refreezing them may affect the texture. Reheat them gently so as not to dry them out.

How do you reheat bourbon meatballs?

Reheat bourbon meatballs in a small skillet on the stovetop. Stir them over medium-low heat until they’re warmed through. You can also microwave them in a loosely covered dish in short bursts until they’re hot.

Bourbon Meatballs Tips

Can you use homemade meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely make bourbon meatballs from scratch! Make our recipe for cocktail meatballs, replacing the ketchup sauce with this bourbon sauce. This recipe will work great because the meat mixture is minimally seasoned, so the flavor of the bourbon sauce will be front and center. Bake the meatballs, then add them to the bourbon sauce as directed in the recipe.

What should you serve with bourbon meatballs?

There is so much you can do with these bourbon meatballs! The recipe is a fantastic appetizer, especially for Kentucky Derby parties where bourbon is a big theme. Spear each meatball with a toothpick and serve them alongside mint juleps and other Kentucky Derby foods like pimiento cheese spread.

Or, make the meatballs as an easy Christmas appetizer. Serve them spooned into small rolls as a game-day snack. Turn the bourbon meatballs recipe into a casual dinner served with sides of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. They’re also tasty served with grilled cheese sandwiches.