Sitting on my grandpa’s old patio swing, the warm summer breeze gently rocking me back and forth, I can still remember the mouthwatering aroma of Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs wafting through the air. It was our family’s favorite summertime tradition – gathering around the backyard grill, music playing, and the sizzle of those juicy meatballs as they caramelized to perfection. I’d watch, wide-eyed, as grandpa carefully layered each sub with his signature bourbon-infused barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese. Those Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs were the stuff of legends, and to this day, I crave that flavor explosion in my mouth.
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Why This Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
What sets this Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs recipe apart is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The key is in the homemade bourbon-infused barbecue sauce – it’s the secret weapon that takes these meatball subs to the next level. Pair that with juicy, tender meatballs, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, and you’ve got a flavor combination that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, the easy-to-follow instructions ensure that even novice cooks can master this showstopping dish.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Worcestershire sauce
- Bourbon
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Onion
- Bacon
- Cheddar cheese
- Hoagie rolls
Step-by-Step Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Instructions
Preparing Your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
This Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs recipe is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for backyard barbecues, game days, or any casual gathering. With just a few simple steps, you can have this flavor-packed meal on the table in under an hour. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking sheet. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
2- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the beef mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
3- While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to make the bourbon barbecue sauce. In a saucepan, whisk together the bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, and onion. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
4- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the bourbon barbecue sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat.
5- Slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise and arrange them on a baking sheet. Top each roll with a generous portion of the bourbon BBQ meatballs, followed by crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
6- Place the assembled Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs back in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs turn out perfectly, be sure to not overmix the meatball mixture, as this can result in a dense, tough texture. Additionally, keep a close eye on the sauce as it simmers to prevent it from burning or becoming too thick. Lastly, be generous with the bourbon barbecue sauce – the more you use, the more flavorful your subs will be.
Serving and Storing Your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Perfect Pairings for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for summer barbecues, game day celebrations, or any casual gathering. Serve them alongside crisp coleslaw, creamy mac and cheese, or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. And don’t forget the cold beers or icy lemonade to help cool down the bold flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the subs in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then assemble and bake the subs just before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Creative Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Variations
Looking to switch things up? Try using a different type of cheese, such as pepper jack or provolone. You can also experiment with the protein, swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or even plant-based meatballs. For a seasonal twist, try incorporating roasted veggies like bell peppers or caramelized onions. The possibilities are endless!
Making Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a gluten-free version, simply serve the bourbon BBQ meatballs over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice, skipping the hoagie rolls. And for a low-carb or keto-friendly option, use low-carb or almond flour-based breadcrumbs in the meatballs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce instead of making the bourbon-infused version?
A: While you certainly can use store-bought barbecue sauce, I highly recommend taking the extra step to make the homemade bourbon barbecue sauce. The unique flavor it adds to the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is what really makes this recipe stand out.
Q: How long do the meatballs take to bake?
A: The meatballs should bake for 15-18 minutes in a 400°F oven, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
Q: Can I make the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The meatballs and bourbon barbecue sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble the subs and bake them for 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese.
Q: How many Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 6-8 Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, depending on the size of your hoagie rolls and how generously you fill them.
Q: What if my meatballs are coming out dry?
A: If your meatballs are turning out a bit dry, try adding an extra tablespoon or two of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. This will help keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 6
Description
Juicy meatballs smothered in a tangy Bourbon BBQ sauce, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese, all nestled in a toasted bun – these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a flavor-packed, family-friendly meal that’s ready in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated onion
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup bourbon BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
– 6 sub rolls, split lengthwise
– 6 slices cheddar cheese
– 6 slices cooked bacon
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. – Form the mixture into 6 equal-sized meatballs.
3. – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. – Remove the meatballs from the skillet and add the 1/2 cup of bourbon BBQ sauce. Toss the meatballs to coat.
5. – Place the split sub rolls on a baking sheet and top each one with a meatball, a slice of cheddar cheese, and a slice of bacon.
6. – Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. – Serve the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs immediately, with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can also toast the buns before assembling the subs. Leftover meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Broil
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are the ultimate summertime indulgence, and I can’t wait for you to try them. The bold, flavor-packed combination of juicy meatballs, smoky bacon, and melty cheese will have your taste buds doing cartwheels. So gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy this crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Don’t forget to let me know how your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs turn out – I’d love to hear all about it!
