Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders

Name: Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup bourbon; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 12 slider buns; Pickles (optional); Coleslaw (optional)

Highlighted under: Treats & Confections

I absolutely love creating finger foods that burst with flavor, and these Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders are a personal favorite. The sweet and smoky bourbon BBQ sauce melds beautifully with the tender meatballs, creating a unique bite that's perfect for gatherings. Each slider is easy to assemble and irresistible to eat! I often serve these at parties, and they always vanish quickly. Trust me, you’ll want these sliders to be the star of your next get-together!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-16T15:24:29.324Z

When I first made these sliders, I was experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. The combination of bourbon and BBQ sauce intrigued me, and I was thrilled with the result! It gave the meatballs a rich, complex flavor that paired perfectly with the slider buns. I highly recommend simmering the sauce a bit longer for an extra depth of flavor, which makes a significant difference.

To elevate the experience, I sometimes top the sliders with a tangy coleslaw. It adds a wonderful crunch and freshness that balances the richness of the meatballs. I suggest serving these at your next gathering—they'll surprise and delight your guests!

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        Unique bourbon-infused BBQ sauce adds a special touch
Perfectly juicy meatballs that are easy to make
Ideal for any occasion—whether a game day or a fancy gathering

      

Mastering the Meatball Texture

The key to achieving tender meatballs lies in the balance between the moisture from the ground beef and the structure provided by breadcrumbs and cheese. If you prefer a heartier meatball, consider incorporating finely grated zucchini or carrots to add moisture without altering the taste. Just be sure to adjust the breadcrumbs accordingly to maintain the right consistency.

Mixing the ingredients should be done gently. Overmixing can result in dense meatballs. I recommend using your hands for a quick and effective incorporation, aiming for just enough mixing to combine the elements without kneading the mixture too much.

Flavor Enhancements with Silky BBQ Sauce

The bourbon BBQ sauce brings an undeniable depth of flavor to the sliders. For a spicier touch, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce during the simmer. This can elevate the sweet notes of the sauce and create a delightful contrast against the richness of the meatballs.

Simmering the sauce on medium heat for at least 10 minutes helps to concentrate the flavors and thicken the consistency. You’ll want to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Keep an eye out for a glossy finish, indicating the sauce is ready to coat your meatballs beautifully.

Creative Assembly Options

While the classic slider with pickles and coleslaw is fantastic, there are numerous variations to explore. Try adding a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of the meatball before sliding on the bun for an extra kick! For a fresher twist, a dollop of homemade chipotle sour cream can provide creaminess and depth that pairs well with the bourbon flavors.

To serve these sliders at a gathering, consider setting up a build-your-own slider station. Lay out all the ingredients separately, allowing guests to customize their sliders with toppings such as crispy bacon, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of tangy ranch dressing. This interactive approach not only makes serving easier but also enhances the overall dining experience.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders:

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce

1 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup bourbon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For Assembly

12 slider buns
Pickles (optional)
Coleslaw (optional)

Make sure to have your ingredients prepped before starting!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Bourbon BBQ Meatball Sliders:

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.

Bake the Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

Make the Bourbon BBQ Sauce

In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Combine and Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked, coat them in the bourbon BBQ sauce. Assemble each slider by placing a meatball in the bun and topping with pickles and coleslaw if desired.

Enjoy your sliders warm and serve with any leftover BBQ sauce on the side!

Pro Tips

For an added kick, include a drizzle of hot sauce on top of each slider. This can elevate the flavor profile and give it extra heat that many will love.

Make-Ahead Strategies

If you're planning a party, these sliders can easily be prepped in advance. The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap until you're ready to cook them.

The bourbon BBQ sauce can also be prepared ahead of time. In fact, making the sauce a day prior will allow the flavors to meld even more. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stove while the meatballs cook.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional BBQ sauce to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through to ensure they maintain their moisture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked meatballs by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned before.

Dietary Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten the meatballs, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for beef. Just be aware that these meats are leaner, so you might want to add an extra egg or a bit more breadcrumbs to keep them moist during cooking. Additionally, for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs without sacrificing texture or flavor.

For a vegetarian alternative, consider swapping in plant-based ground meat or using a combination of finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, and chickpeas. These alternatives provide a hearty base that can be just as satisfying as traditional meatballs when seasoned correctly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat and toss them in the BBQ sauce before serving.

→ What type of bread works best for sliders?

Slider buns, Hawaiian rolls, or any soft small bread will work well. Choose what you prefer for the best taste experience.

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can also be used. Just ensure to cook them thoroughly, as they can have a different moisture content than beef.

→ Is the bourbon necessary for the recipe?

The bourbon adds a unique flavor, but you can substitute it with apple juice or omit it for a non-alcoholic version. The sliders will still taste great!