Go Back
Delicious festive meatballs served on a platter for a holiday celebration

Blueberry-Bourbon Festive Meatballs

Cozy, sweet-savory bites perfect for any gathering, combining the flavors of blueberry and bourbon in a delightful meatball.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 meatballs
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (or half beef/half pork)
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs Use day-old for better texture.
  • 0.25 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Fresh garlic recommended for bigger flavor.
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups blueberry preserves or jam Store-bought jam recommended for time-saving.
  • 0.33 cup bourbon Can be omitted for a kid-friendly version.
  • 0.33 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • pinch red pepper flakes Optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until just combined.
  3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet spaced slightly apart.
Cooking
  1. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until golden edges and no pink in the center.
  2. In a saucepan, add blueberry preserves, bourbon, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir and heat over medium.
  3. Let the sauce bubble and reduce for about 6-8 minutes until thick.
  4. Toss the hot meatballs in the sauce until well coated and serve warm with toothpicks.

Notes

These meatballs are great for serving on a party platter or as a weeknight dinner with rice or mashed potatoes. Add a splash of orange juice for a twist, or garnish with fresh thyme or green onions.