Description
These Whiskey Peach BBQ Meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a smoky-sweet glaze made with peach preserves, whiskey, and barbecue sauce. Perfect as a party appetizer or a hearty main dish served over rice or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs (680g) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- For the Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (smoky or sweet style)
- 1/2 cup peach preserves or jam
- 1/4 cup whiskey (such as bourbon or Tennessee whiskey)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add ground meat, egg, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
- Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine barbecue sauce, peach preserves, whiskey, vinegar, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Stir and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until slightly thickened and glossy.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for another 5 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace whiskey with apple juice or more barbecue sauce.
- Use frozen pre-cooked meatballs for a shortcut — simmer directly in the sauce until heated through.
- These freeze well! Store cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: American