Sundays were always my favorite growing up. It meant one thing: Grandma’s famous Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs were on the menu! I can still smell the aroma of the perfectly seasoned meatballs simmering in that tangy bourbon barbecue sauce, mingling with the sizzle of crispy bacon. My mouth starts watering just thinking about it.
Grandma would spend all morning in the kitchen, meticulously crafting each component of these glorious Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs. She’d start by mixing the ground beef, pork, and spices together, forming them into bite-sized meatballs. Then she’d fry up the bacon until it was golden and irresistibly crunchy. The real magic happened when she combined the meatballs with her homemade bourbon barbecue sauce – a secret blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that would have us begging for seconds.
Once the meatballs were simmered to perfection, she’d nestle them into soft, toasted sub rolls and top them with melted cheddar cheese. I can still picture my younger self, sitting at the table, eagerly awaiting that first bite, the cheese stretching and gooey. It was pure bliss, every single time. Grandma’s Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs were the stuff of legends, and I’m so excited to share her recipe with you.
Why This Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
What makes Grandma’s Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs so special is the attention to detail in every step of the process. The meatballs are seasoned to perfection, the bourbon barbecue sauce is a harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy, and the bacon brings a delightful crunch to every bite. But the real secret is in the technique – slow-simmering the meatballs in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ground beef and ground pork: The perfect combination for tender, juicy meatballs.
– Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and adds a delightful texture.
– Eggs: Binds the meatball mixture together.
– Garlic, onion, and spices: Provides the essential seasoning for the meatballs.
– Bourbon: The star ingredient that gives the barbecue sauce its unique, irresistible flavor.
– Ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce: The base for the tangy-sweet bourbon barbecue sauce.
– Bacon: Crisped up to add a delightful crunch to the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.
– Cheddar cheese: Melted over the top of the meatballs for that perfect cheeseburger-inspired touch.
– Sub rolls: Soft, toasted buns to hold all the delicious components together.
Step-by-Step Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Instructions
Preparing Your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Preparing these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is a labor of love, but the end result is so worth it. With a total time of about an hour and a half, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment, like a skillet, a saucepan, and a baking sheet. But the steps are straightforward, and the payoff is a mouthwatering, flavor-packed sandwich that’s sure to impress.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
2- Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
3- While the meatballs are baking, in a saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, bourbon, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4- Add the baked meatballs to the bourbon barbecue sauce and let them simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully coated and the flavors have melded together.
5- Toast the sub rolls and arrange the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs on a serving platter. Top each meatball sub with crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
6- Serve the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs warm, with any extra sauce drizzled over the top. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
– For the juiciest meatballs, be sure not to overwork the meat mixture. Gently mix the ingredients together until just combined.
– Letting the meatballs simmer in the bourbon barbecue sauce is the key to infusing them with maximum flavor. Don’t skip this step!
– Toasting the sub rolls is essential for adding a delightful crunch and preventing the bread from getting soggy.
– Keep an eye on the bacon while it’s frying to ensure it crisps up perfectly without burning.
## Serving and Storing Your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Perfect Pairings for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for game days, backyard barbecues, or a cozy family dinner. Pair them with a fresh, crisp salad or some creamy coleslaw for a delicious and well-rounded meal. And don’t forget to serve them with an ice-cold beer or a refreshing iced tea – the perfect accompaniment to these flavor-packed sandwiches.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs in the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the meatball mixture and the bourbon barbecue sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the meatballs. This will save you a significant amount of time when it comes to putting the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs together.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Creative Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Variations
While Grandma’s classic Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are hard to beat, there are a few fun ways to switch things up. Try using different types of cheese, like pepper jack or provolone, for a twist on the flavor profile. You could also experiment with adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the meatball mixture for an extra layer of depth. And for a seasonal spin, consider using a pumpkin or apple-based barbecue sauce in the fall, or a lighter, citrus-infused sauce in the summer.
Making Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Diet-Friendly
To make these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs a bit more diet-friendly, you can opt for leaner ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, in place of the beef and pork. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in the meatball mixture. And to make them dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon in the barbecue sauce?
A: Absolutely! While bourbon provides a unique flavor, you can certainly experiment with other types of liquor, such as whiskey, brandy, or even beer. Just keep in mind that the overall taste will be slightly different.
Q: How can I make the meatballs extra juicy?
A: To ensure your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are as juicy as possible, be sure not to overwork the meat mixture when forming the meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined, and avoid compacting the meatballs too tightly.
Q: Can I make the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare the components in advance. The meatball mixture and bourbon barbecue sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator. Then, simply bake the meatballs and assemble the subs when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 8-10 Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, depending on the size of your sub rolls and the number of meatballs you’re able to fit on each one.
Q: What if my meatballs don’t hold their shape?
A: If your meatballs seem to be falling apart, it’s likely that you need to add a bit more breadcrumbs or an extra egg to the mixture. Start with just a small amount and gently mix it in until the meatballs hold their shape when formed.
Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in the ultimate flavor explosion with these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs. Juicy meatballs infused with bourbon, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a tangy BBQ sauce all nestled in soft sub rolls – it’s a handheld feast that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup bourbon
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
– 6 sub rolls, split lengthwise
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. – In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
3. – Form the mixture into 12 equal-sized meatballs.
4. – Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. – Spread the bourbon BBQ sauce evenly over the bottom halves of the sub rolls. Top with the cooked meatballs, crispy bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. – Place the subs on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
7. – Serve the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs immediately, garnished with any desired toppings.
Notes
For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture. You can also use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or provolone, for a variation in flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Grandma’s Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs will undoubtedly become a new family favorite. The combination of tender, flavorful meatballs, tangy bourbon barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just looking for a comforting meal to enjoy at home, these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are sure to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a flavor explosion in your kitchen!
