Brown Sugar Bourbon Sticky Meatballs are the kind of appetizer that disappears from the table almost instantly. Sweet, smoky, and wonderfully caramelized, these meatballs are coated in a glossy bourbon-infused glaze that strikes the perfect balance between savory depth and irresistible sweetness. Whether you serve them for parties, holidays, game days, or casual dinners, they deliver bold, crowd-pleasing flavor every time.
The sauce is where the magic happens. Brown sugar creates rich sweetness and a syrupy texture as it cooks down, while bourbon introduces warm, oaky undertones that elevate the glaze into something truly special. Soy sauce, Worcestershire, Dijon, and smoked paprika add layers of savory complexity, and a touch of garlic ties everything together. As the sauce simmers, it thickens into a sticky, caramel-like coating that clings beautifully to the meatballs.
You can make this dish with homemade meatballs or keep it effortless by using frozen ones—either way, the result is decadent and full of character. The recipe adapts easily to stovetop or slow cooker cooking, making it ideal for entertaining. Set them out with toothpicks or serve over rice or mashed potatoes for an easy meal.
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A few extra minutes of simmering transforms the glaze into something truly irresistible. Prepare for these sticky meatballs to become a new favorite that guests request again and again.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen or homemade meatballs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
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