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How to Make BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Making these meatballs is simple and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put it all together:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix—be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs
- Using your hands, form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter (roughly the size of a golf ball).
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each one to ensure even cooking.
3. Bake the Meatballs
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F). Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your meatballs, so be sure to check them toward the end.
4. Prepare the BBQ Glaze
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the BBQ glaze by combining the BBQ sauce, honey, Dijon mustard (if using), and smoked paprika in a small saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The glaze should thicken slightly and become a smooth, glossy consistency. Remove it from the heat and set aside.
5. Coat the Meatballs in BBQ Sauce
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven. Use a brush or spoon to coat each meatball in the prepared BBQ glaze, making sure they’re evenly covered with a nice layer of sauce.
- Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the glaze to set and caramelize slightly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Garnish with extra chopped bacon, green onions, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese if desired for extra flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve these meatballs on their own, or with dipping sauces like ranch, extra BBQ sauce, or even a spicy aioli for added flavor.
Tips for the Best BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
- Use Ground Beef with Fat: To ensure your meatballs are juicy and flavorful, use ground beef with a bit of fat, like an 80/20 blend. Leaner beef can result in dry meatballs.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, be careful not to overwork the mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Custom BBQ Sauce: Customize your BBQ sauce by adding a little extra kick—mix in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like a spicy flavor. Or try a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce for a deeper flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and bake them in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Reheat the meatballs in the oven with the BBQ glaze before serving. This is a great option for busy weeknights or parties.
- Freezing: If you want to make these meatballs ahead of time, you can freeze them. After baking and cooling, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, then glaze with the BBQ sauce.
Serving Suggestions
While these BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are perfect on their own, you can also pair them with a variety of sides to complete the meal:
- Fries or Tater Tots: Serve the meatballs with a side of crispy fries or tater tots for a classic pairing.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw is a great way to balance out the richness of the meatballs.
- Grilled Veggies: For a lighter option, serve with a side of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky, savory meatballs.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are the ultimate bite-sized snack that delivers all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a fun, easy-to-eat form. These meatballs are perfect for parties, game days, or a quick and satisfying dinner. With their smoky bacon, melty cheese, and tangy BBQ glaze, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
And the best part? They’re easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste—whether you prefer a spicier BBQ sauce or want to load them up with extra cheese. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy these smoky, cheesy, and utterly delicious meatballs!
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