DERBY DAY BOURBON MEATBALLS
- WineCheeseScallops
- Sep 24, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Our Derby Day Bourbon Meatballs are the perfect party appetizer! With a rich, tangy bourbon sauce made from apricot preserves, barbecue sauce, and a touch of bourbon, these meatballs pack tons of flavor. Whether you make fresh meatballs or grab a batch from the freezer, this recipe is ideal for entertaining guests or keeping on hand for family-friendly meals.
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Ingredient Highlight:
Apricot Preserves: The sweetness of apricot preserves balances out the smokiness of the bourbon and barbecue sauce, adding a subtle fruitiness that makes the sauce irresistibly delicious.
Bourbon: Bourbon is the star of this sauce, giving the meatballs a smooth, rich flavor. The alcohol cooks out during simmering, leaving behind its distinctive caramel and oak notes.
Recipe Origin:
This recipe was inspired by our love for Derby Day celebrations and bourbon-infused dishes. We wanted something easy to make but impressive enough for guests. The combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors makes these meatballs the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any festive occasion.
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Helpful Tips:
Meatball Prep: Spend a day making a large batch of meatballs to store in your freezer. They reheat beautifully, making this recipe quick and easy to whip up.
Sauce Variations: Try experimenting with different barbecue sauces for unique flavor twists. Adding a smoky or spicy sauce will create a deeper flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside other appetizers like cheese platters or vegetable trays for a well-rounded spread.
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Why This Recipe is the Best:
Versatile: These meatballs are great for any occasion—whether it’s Derby Day, a game day gathering, or even a weeknight dinner.
Freezer-Friendly: Prep your meatballs in advance, and you'll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in no time.
Rich in Flavor: The bourbon sauce is packed with sweet, smoky, and tangy notes, creating a balanced and memorable bite every time.
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Bourbon Sauce
1 cup apricot preserves
¼ cup brown sugar
2 Tbs chili sauce
½ cup bourbon
½ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce (we like mixing a few: PF Chang’s Sweet Chili Sauce, Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce, and Sweet Baby Ray’s)
1 Tbs molasses
¼ cup water
Meatballs
You can either make fresh meatballs on the day or use a batch of 25 from the freezer if you've prepared them in advance. We love spending a weekend making a big batch of meatballs to keep our freezer stocked. Find our meatball recipe here.
Instructions
To make the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook gently for about 10 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Nestle the cooked meatballs in sauce, frequently basting and turning them. The longer they sit in the sauce, the more tender they become—allow at least 20 minutes.
Serve on a plate with toothpicks and drizzle with extra sauce. You can also serve a bowl of sauce on the side for extra dipping.
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.
Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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