Crockpot Bourbon BBQ Meatballs
User Reviews
5
Crockpot Bourbon BBQ Meatballs
Description
This recipe uses thawed, fully cooked meatballs placed in a slow cooker and coated with a mixture of BBQ sauce, bourbon, honey, molasses, freshly minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper. The combination balances sweetness, tanginess, smoky, and spicy notes, while the bourbon adds subtle warmth without overpowering. Cooking on low heat for several hours allows the sauce to thicken slightly and infuse the meatballs with flavor.
Once ready, the meatballs are stirred and served hot, optionally garnished with fresh minced parsley for color and brightness. These meatballs are practical for appetizers at gatherings or casual meals, with the convenience of slow cooker preparation.
Using homestyle meatballs without heavy seasonings pairs best to let the sauce flavors shine, and moderate bourbons are recommended for both cost and flavor balance. The dish yields approximately eight appetizer servings at around 4 ounces each.
Ingredients
- 32 oz bag meatballs thawed, fully cooked, frozen
- 2 cups BBQ sauce our favorite is Head Country original, but use your favorite, bottled
- 3/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 Tbsp garlic finely minced, fresh
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- parsley optional - for garnish, fresh, minced
Instructions
- Add meatballs to slow cooker. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together bbq sauce, bourbon, honey, molasses, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper. Pour over meatballs and stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours.
- Stir before serving, then serve hot, sprinkled with minced fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fully cooked, thawed homestyle meatballs for the best balance with the sweet and tangy sauce.
- Select a bourbon that you enjoy drinking, but expensive bottles are unnecessary since it is combined with other ingredients.
- Choose an original bottled BBQ sauce to keep the sauce flavor balanced and avoid overpowering spice blends.
- This recipe serves roughly 8 people as an appetizer, with a 4-ounce serving size per person.
- Nutrition estimates vary depending on brands and specific ingredient choices.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 582 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 582kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 825mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 725mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 52g | 104% |
| Vitamin A | 215IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 74mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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