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Delicious Peach Bourbon Meatballs served with a glaze and garnished

Peach Bourbon Holiday Party Meatballs

A cozy and sweet-meets-smoky crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 10 appetizer portions
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 2 lbs frozen homestyle meatballs or homemade
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam Use chunk-free preserves for a smooth glaze.
  • 1/2 cup bourbon Bourbon adds warmth; omit for kids' parties.
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce Choose smoky or sweet.
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Fresh garlic = bigger flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 pinch cayenne or red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
For Garnish
  • to taste chopped parsley or green onions Optional garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk together the peach preserves, bourbon, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl until smooth and glossy.
  2. Pour the sauce into your slow cooker, adding a pinch of cayenne if you want heat.
  3. Nestle the frozen meatballs into the sauce and stir gently to coat each one.
Cooking
  1. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meatballs.
  2. Alternatively, simmer on the stovetop on low for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently until the glaze reduces to a syrupy sheen.
  3. Once the meatballs are heated through and coated in the sauce, transfer to a warm serving dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions.

Notes

Great for parties and potlucks. Can be made ahead and reheated. Common mistake: if the sauce is too thin, uncover the cooker for the last 30 minutes to let it reduce. Simple variation: stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for tang.