Smoked Bourbon BBQ Meatloaf Recipe

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Bourbon BBQ Craft Blends™
Smoked Meatballs with Apple BBQ Glaze

Smoked Meatballs with Apple BBQ Glaze

Get ready for the ultimate crowd-pleaser—Smoked Meatballs with an Apple BBQ Glaze from Bear Mountain ambassador Brandyn Baker. These juicy, flavor-packed meatballs are kissed with rich, smoky goodness from Bear Mountain Tailgating BBQ pellets, then bathed in a sticky-sweet apple BBQ glaze that takes them over the top. Each bite is smoky, savory, and bursting with tangy-sweet caramelization that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds). Perfect for game day spreads, backyard hangs, or anytime you want to bring serious flavor to the table.

Prep

20 Minutes

Cook time

45-80 Minutes

Serves

2

Steps

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add in all of the ingredients (except the butter) for the apple BBQ glaze. Stir well until combined. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced, then turn off the heat and add in your butter.
  2. Pour the prepared sauce into a mason jar or heat proof container and allow to cool to room temperature. If not using immediately, store in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
  3. In a bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk until absorbed. Add ground beef/pork mix, eggs, parmesan, garlic, spices, and parsley. Mix gently until combined. Form into golf-ball sized meatballs.
  4. Preheat the smoker to 250°F. Place meatballs on a wire rack or tray and smoke for 45-60 minutes, until they hit 155°F internally.
  5. Brush meatballs with glaze (or dunk them for ease) and return to the smoker until they reach 165°F and the glaze is tacky.
  6. Garnish with chives and toothpicks for appetizers. Serve and enjoy!

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

  • Bear Mountain BBQ Tailgating BBQ Pellets
  • 2 lbs. ground beef/pork mix
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup milk (soak breadcrumbs before mixing)
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 – 3 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped
  • chives to garnish


For the glaze:

  • 1 cup apple jelly (or apple butter for more depth)
  • ¼ cup apple butter
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • salt and pepper to taste

watch recipe video

Smoked Meatballs with Apple BBQ Glaze

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BBQ Craft Blend Pellets - Tailgating BBQ

BBQ Craft Blend Pellets - Tailgating BBQ

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