Blueberry Bourbon Festive Meatballs (Print Version)
Tender meatballs tossed in spiced blueberry-bourbon sauce, ideal for sharing at parties or special gatherings.
# Ingredients:
→ Meatball Mixture
01 -
1 1/2 pounds ground beef or half beef and half pork
02 -
1 large egg
03 -
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
04 -
1/4 cup finely diced onion
05 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
07 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
→ Blueberry-Bourbon Sauce
09 -
1 1/2 cups blueberry preserves or jam
10 -
1/3 cup bourbon
11 -
1/3 cup ketchup
12 -
2 tablespoons soy sauce
13 -
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
14 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 -
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 -
In a large bowl, gently mix ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until just combined.
03 -
Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
04 -
While meatballs bake, add blueberry preserves, bourbon, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes to a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 -
Add cooked meatballs to sauce. Gently toss to coat and simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.
06 -
Transfer meatballs to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh thyme or orange zest if desired, and serve warm.
# Notes:
01 -
For best texture, avoid overmixing the meat. If using pork, select 80% lean for juicier results.