Bourbon Brown Butter Holiday Meatballs are the kind of appetizer that instantly feels special. Rich, savory, and kissed with warmth, they bring together deeply browned butter and smooth bourbon into a glossy glaze that transforms simple meatballs into something truly memorable.
The magic begins with the brown butter. Slowly cooked until golden and nutty, it creates a luxurious base that adds depth and richness to the glaze. When paired with bourbon, brown sugar, and a hint of warm spice, the result is a sauce that is sweet, savory, and irresistibly complex.
These meatballs are juicy and tender thanks to a gentle mix and careful baking. A blend of garlic, onion, thyme, and smoked paprika ensures they are flavorful on their own, while the glaze takes them firmly into holiday-worthy territory.
Perfect for parties, cocktail hours, or festive gatherings, these meatballs are easy to make yet feel elegant and indulgent. Serve them warm with toothpicks and watch them disappear faster than you expect.
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Servings: 20–24 meatballs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or beef and pork mixture
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely minced onion or shallot
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon milk
Bourbon Brown Butter Glaze
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish
- Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions:
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