Discover the delightful fusion of sweet and savory in our Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs recipe. These tender, flavor-packed morsels are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a satisfying meal. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and bring people together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs
Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible combination of juicy meatballs and a luscious apricot-whiskey glaze. This dish is a cozy, indulgent delight that showcases the harmonious balance of sweet and savory. The tender meatballs, infused with warm spices, are the perfect canvas for the bright, zesty glaze that adds a delightful depth of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a showstopping dish to impress your guests, these Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
The key to this recipe’s mouthwatering success lies in the carefully curated ingredients. Ground beef and pork come together to create the perfect meatball texture, while breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings bind the mixture and add flavor. The apricot preserves and whiskey come together to form a sticky-sweet, smoky glaze that coats the meatballs to perfection.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1 lb – Ground pork
- 1 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs, beaten
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 – Onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp – Dried oregano
- 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 1 cup – Apricot preserves
- 1/2 cup – Whiskey
- 2 tbsp – Soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp – Red pepper flakes (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or lamb for a twist on the classic.
- Preserves: Experiment with different types of preserves, such as plum or fig, to create your own signature glaze.
How to Make Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs
Follow these easy, chef-tested steps for reliable results every time.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the apricot-whiskey glaze. In a saucepan, whisk together the apricot preserves, whiskey, soy sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer the glaze over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s thickened and the flavors have melded.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the warm glaze to coat them evenly. Serve the Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley or scallions for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Serve with: For a heartier meal, serve the meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles.
- Appetizer Idea: You can also skewer the meatballs and serve them as an appetizer or party snack.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, start with a smaller amount of apricot preserves and adjust to taste.
- Make-Ahead: The meatballs can be prepared and formed ahead of time, then refrigerated or frozen until ready to bake.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the meatballs in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Make-Ahead: The meatballs can be prepared and formed ahead of time, then refrigerated or frozen until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and satisfied. The dish is a source of essential nutrients, including iron, B vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! The meatballs can be prepared and formed ahead of time, then refrigerated or frozen until ready to bake. This makes them a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! While the classic combination of beef and pork is delicious, you can experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or even a combination of meats to suit your preferences.
How can I make the glaze less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, start with a smaller amount of apricot preserves and gradually increase to reach your desired level of sweetness. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Can I freeze the cooked meatballs?
Yes, the cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply allow them to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Reheat the frozen meatballs in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
What sides pair well with these meatballs?
The Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The options are endless for creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Try These Next
- Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs For Holiday Parties
- Savory Herb Glazed Turkey Meatballs For Friendsgiving
- Maple Glazed Herb Chicken Skewers
Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, perfect for any occasion. Tender meatballs are coated in a rich apricot whiskey glaze that will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 lb ground pork
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup apricot preserves
– 1/4 cup whiskey
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by combining apricot preserves, whiskey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Bring the glaze to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
7. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the glaze until well coated.
8. Serve warm as an appetizer or over rice as a main dish.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just reheat in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg