Elevate your holiday gatherings or game-day festivities with the irresistible Cranberry Bourbon Bacon Meatballs from CrennRecipes.com. These elegant, comfort-food bites combine the rich, decadent flavors of cranberry, bourbon, and bacon, creating a sensory-rich experience that will delight your guests. Crafted with precision and care, this refined recipe celebrates the art of sophisticated indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bourbon Bacon Meatballs
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of flavors with our Cranberry Bourbon Bacon Meatballs. The tangy-sweet cranberry glaze perfectly complements the savory, smoky bacon, while a hint of bourbon adds a warm, sophisticated depth. Tender, juicy meatballs are the elegant foundation, coated in a luscious, gourmet sauce that will have your guests raving. This dish is the perfect balance of comforting familiarity and refined elegance, making it a delightful and satisfying addition to any occasion.
Ingredients
Crafting these mouthwatering Cranberry Bourbon Bacon Meatballs requires a carefully curated selection of high-quality ingredients. You’ll need ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, an egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper to create the tender, flavorful meatballs. The glaze is a decadent blend of cranberry sauce, bourbon, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Crispy, smoky bacon tops off this gourmet dish, adding an irresistible texture and savory element.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 – Egg
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup – Onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 1 cup – Cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup – Bourbon
- 2 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp – Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp – Balsamic vinegar
- 6 slices – Crispy cooked bacon, chopped
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Cranberry Bourbon Bacon Meatballs
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely diced onion, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to ensure even cooking. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the delectable cranberry bourbon glaze. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cranberry sauce, bourbon, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry bourbon glaze. Gently toss the meatballs to coat them evenly in the luscious sauce. Finally, top the meatballs with the crispy, cooked bacon pieces, adding a delightful savory and textural element.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Spice It Up: Incorporate a teaspoon or two of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the cranberry bourbon glaze for a spicier kick.
- Infuse with Warmth: Add a touch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the meatball mixture for an extra layer of cozy, autumnal flavor.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Surprise: Fold in a small amount of cream cheese or goat cheese into the center of each meatball before baking for a luscious, melty surprise in the center of each bite.
- Festive Presentation: Serve the Cranberry Bourbon Bacon Meatballs on a platter garnished with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, and a sprinkle of toasted pecans or almonds for a visually stunning and flavor-packed display.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Craft cocktails, chilled white wine, or bubbly.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Gently warm in the microwave or oven before serving.
Make-Ahead: The meatballs can be prepared and baked in advance, then stored in the refrigerator until ready to reheat and assemble with the cranberry bourbon glaze.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of our Cranberry Bourbon Bacon Meatballs provides a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The ground beef and bacon offer a source of lean protein, while the panko breadcrumbs and cranberry sauce contribute to the carbohydrate content. The dish also contains beneficial nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 from the beef, as well as antioxidants from the cranberries.
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! The meatballs can be prepared and baked in advance, then stored in the refrigerator until ready to reheat and assemble with the cranberry bourbon glaze.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can certainly use frozen cranberries to make the glaze. Simply thaw the cranberries and puree or chop them before adding to the saucepan with the other glaze ingredients.
What can I serve these meatballs with?
These Cranberry Bourbon Bacon Meatballs are delicious on their own as a satisfying snack or appetizer. However, they also pair beautifully with various accompaniments, such as a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and ensure the Dijon mustard and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How long do the meatballs keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, the Cranberry Bourbon Bacon Meatballs will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a convenient make-ahead option.
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Cranberry Bourbon Bacon Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs 1x
Description
These Cranberry Bourbon Bacon Meatballs are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, perfect for any gathering. The rich bourbon flavor complements the tart cranberries and crispy bacon, creating an elegant yet comforting appetizer.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped bacon, cranberries, bourbon, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
7. Serve warm with a cranberry bourbon glaze if desired.
Notes
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just reheat them in the oven before serving. For an extra touch, drizzle with a homemade cranberry glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg