Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders

Name: Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 1/4 cup bourbon; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Slider buns; Sliced pickles (optional); Coleslaw (optional)

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Recipes

I love whipping up Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders for game days or casual gatherings with friends. The combination of juicy meatballs coated in a rich, sweet bourbon BBQ sauce delivers an irresistible flavor that impresses everyone. Not only are they quick and easy to prepare, but these sliders also allow for personalization—experimenting with different toppings or buns. I always serve them with a side of crispy fries for the complete experience. Trust me, these sliders will quickly become a favorite in your house!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-16T13:45:28.866Z

When I first tried making meatball sliders, I quickly realized that the secret lies in the sauce. A good bourbon BBQ sauce transforms the flavor profile, making it rich and delightful. I still remember the moment my friends took their first bite; the look of delight on their faces was priceless. It encouraged me to explore more variations with different spices and flavors.

One key tip I learned is to bake the meatballs instead of frying them. This method keeps them tender and juicy while reducing the mess. It also allows the meatballs to absorb more sauce. Pairing these sliders with pickles or coleslaw takes them to another level!

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        Savory meatballs with a hint of bourbon sweetness
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Great for parties or casual weeknight dinners

      

Meatball Mastery

Crafting the perfect meatball is an art form! For these Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders, ensure your mixture is well-combined without overworking the beef, as this can lead to tough meatballs. After mixing the ingredients, your meatballs should feel slightly tacky, allowing them to hold shape while remaining tender when cooked. Form them into uniform sizes, around one inch in diameter, so they'll cook evenly. You could even use a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing.

Baking the meatballs at 400°F is key to achieving a beautifully browned exterior without compromising the juicy interior. They should be placed on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, allowing any rendered fat to be captured. For added flavor, consider broiling the meatballs for the last few minutes of baking; this will give them an appealing caramelization and deeper flavor profile.

Elevate Your BBQ Sauce

This Bourbon BBQ sauce is a game changer for these sliders. As the bourbon simmers, its alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, nuanced sweetness that enhances the sauce's depth. If you're concerned about the alcohol, feel free to adjust with additional brown sugar and more barbecue sauce for sweetness, ensuring you still get a balanced flavor. Experimenting with different brands of barbecue sauce can also lead to exciting flavor variations—try one with a spicy kick or a fruity finish for something different.

Simmering the sauce for 5 minutes develops the flavors beautifully, but don’t rush this phase. Keep the heat medium to avoid burning, and stir occasionally until the sauce is glossy and thickened. You can always adjust the thickness by adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick, ensuring it's just the right amount of sauce to coat your meatballs without oversaturating the buns.

Serving Tips and Customizations

When assembling your sliders, consider toasting the slider buns briefly in the oven until they are just golden and slightly crisp. This adds a delightful texture that holds up well against the saucy meatballs. For an added crunch, layer some fresh coleslaw directly on top of the meatballs. The creaminess of the coleslaw balances out the richness of the bourbon barbecue sauce beautifully, and it can be made ahead of time for convenience.

These sliders are highly customizable! If you're looking for a lighter option, swap out the coleslaw for a refreshing cucumber salad, and for a spicy twist, add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. If you're preparing for a larger crowd, you can easily multiply the meatball and sauce recipes; just ensure that your baking sheet has enough space for even cooking without overcrowding the meatballs.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Bourbon BBQ Sauce

1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika

For Assembly

Slider buns
Sliced pickles (optional)
Coleslaw (optional)

Optional toppings: shredded cheese, jalapeños, or avocado slices

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then form into small meatballs.

Bake the Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Make the Bourbon BBQ Sauce

In a saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Combine and Assemble

Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and stir to coat thoroughly. Spoon the meatballs onto slider buns and top with optional pickles and coleslaw before serving.

Pro Tips

Feel free to adjust the bourbon quantity to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less bourbon and add more barbecue sauce.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time! After shaping them, lay them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only saves time on game day but also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Alternatively, you can freeze cooked meatballs. Just let them cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating in the sauce.

Preparing the BBQ sauce ahead is also a great idea. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it convenient for a quick meal. To reheat, pour it into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat until it’s heated through. If you find the sauce has thickened too much upon refrigeration, simply add a little water or more bourbon to return it to the right consistency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your meatballs are falling apart while baking, it may be due to insufficient binding from the egg or breadcrumbs. Make sure you are using the correct proportions of ingredients. If they still seem crumbly, try adding a little milk or additional egg to the mix during preparation, ensuring they hold together better during cooking.

When it comes to the sauce, if it's too sweet, adding a pinch of salt or a dash of vinegar can help to balance the flavors. If it becomes too thick while simmering, simply thin it out with a splash of water or more barbecue sauce to achieve the desired consistency. Keeping these adjustments in mind can ensure your Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders turn out perfectly every time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well for a lighter version of these sliders.

→ How can I make these sliders ahead of time?

You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day ahead and then bake before serving.

→ What can I serve with these sliders?

They pair well with fries, potato salad, or a simple green salad.

→ Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just reheat them before serving.