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Savory Brown Sugar Bourbon Meatballs with Sweet Pecan Glaze

brown sugar bourbon meatballs - featured image
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These meatballs feature a sticky-sweet pecan bourbon glaze with a hint of toasted pecans and the mellow warmth of bourbon, creating a perfect sweet-savory comfort food with a little twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Transfer to a bowl and roughly chop.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs, about 20 total. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, spaced evenly.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Flipping halfway is optional.
  5. While meatballs bake, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, toasted pecans, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  6. Transfer baked meatballs to the skillet with the glaze. Gently toss to coat evenly and simmer for 2-3 minutes to soak up flavors.
  7. Serve warm, either on their own, over creamy polenta, or alongside a fresh salad.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender. Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning. Simmer the glaze slowly to thicken without burning. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For alcohol-free, substitute bourbon with apple juice or pear nectar. Optional cayenne adds a gentle heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs, bourbon glaze, brown sugar, pecans, savory, sweet, appetizer, party food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/savory-brown-sugar-bourbon-meatballs-with-sweet-pecan-glaze-recipe/