There is a time for making everything from scratch, but there are other times that you just need to throw something together and not have to put much effort into it.
Either way, you don't want to skimp on flavor. When making a meatball appetizer, you want everyone to keep going back and getting, just "one" more. This is the recipe for that.
Feel free to make a homemade meatball instead of using a frozen bag of meatballs, but either way, adding 2 simple ingredients to the BBQ sauce, takes these to the next level. The bourbon brings a slight spiciness along with oak and vanilla, while the maple syrup brings a silky sweetness.
Did I forget to mention bacon? Yes, add a little slice of bacon to each meatball and you have a fantastic combination.
Ingredients:
1 Pkg. Frozen Meatballs
1/2 lb. Bacon (8 slices)
1 Cup BBQ Sauce (Bulls-Eye Original BBQ)
3 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
1/4 cup Bourbon
1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
32 toothpicks
Instructions:
Add the meatballs to a small 2 quart crock-pot.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.
Stir into the meatballs and set on high for 2.5 hours, stirring every 15-30 min.
When the meatballs are close to done, cook the bacon, removing while still flexible. Cut each strip into 4 pieces.
When the meatballs are ready, take a toothpick, add a piece of bacon, then a meatball.
Notes:
Servings = 32 meatballs
Bourbon - I used Larceny Small Batch, 92 proof. As a wheated bourbon, it has a soft, silky flavor with some caramel and honey sweetness, but has a pepper bite from the oak.
BBQ Sauce - Bulls-Eye Original BBQ is my goto, sauce, but use your favorite.
Original Recipe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e5xvNPdU3s