If you’re looking to make a serious impression with your next party dish, these Maple Bourbon Bacon Meatballs are your golden ticket. They’re rich, juicy, and glazed in a sticky-sweet bourbon sauce with just the right amount of heat from candied jalapeños. Think meatball meets candy bacon—then dial it up with bold bourbon flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest: I’m a sucker for any appetizer that combines sweet and spicy with something savory and indulgent. These meatballs do it all. The smoky bacon bits, the warm bourbon-maple glaze, and the fiery-sweet jalapeño slices all work in harmony. They’re easy to prep, make ahead–friendly, and guaranteed to vanish from any platter within minutes.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
🔄 Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: Try ground pork or a beef/pork blend for even more flavor.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for texture and rich flavor.
- Bourbon: Whiskey or dark rum can be subbed if needed.
- Maple Syrup: Use real maple syrup—not pancake syrup—for best flavor.
- Extra Heat: Leave the jalapeño seeds in, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, chopped bacon, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the meatballs on all sides until browned.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, and jalapeños. Simmer over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, or until reduced to a sticky glaze.
- Drizzle the warm glaze over meatballs or toss to coat. Garnish with extra candied jalapeños before serving.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temp reaches 160°F for juicy, safe meatballs.
- Cook glaze low and slow—don’t boil or it may burn or over-reduce.
- Want to serve them warm at a party? Keep in a slow cooker on low with extra glaze.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These meatballs are perfect for any holiday spread, game day, or elevated appetizer table. Pair them with:
- Beer Cheese Dip for a creamy side.
- Totchos to keep the bold snack theme going.
- Cheesy Hot Dip as a complement to the sweet-spicy glaze.
- Crisp hard cider or bourbon cocktails to echo the flavor in the glaze.
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
- Store leftover meatballs and glaze separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts.
- You can freeze unglazed meatballs after baking—just thaw, warm, and add fresh glaze before serving.
📚 More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack – Tater Tot Nachos for the Win
- How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
🧾 Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to upgrade your appetizer game with something sweet, smoky, and a little spicy, Maple Bourbon Bacon Meatballs with Candied Jalapeños are it. They’re everything people love about meatballs—just turned up to 11.
Tried them? Drop a comment, tag your party pics, and follow ChefManiac for more bold, crave-worthy eats every week.
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