Description
Maple Bourbon Glazed Meatballs are a sweet, smoky, and savory appetizer or main dish made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Featuring juicy meatballs simmered in a rich maple-bourbon glaze, this recipe is perfect for game day, holidays, or cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs frozen or homemade meatballs
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Place meatballs in the slow cooker and pour glaze mixture over them. Stir gently to coat.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until meatballs are heated through and flavors meld.
- Finish and Serve: Stir before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.
Notes
- For homemade meatballs, brown them in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Adjust bourbon amount to taste—reduce for a milder flavor or increase for a stronger kick.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess.
- Great for meal prep—store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Serve with toothpicks for parties or over mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: maple bourbon meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, glazed cocktail meatballs, bourbon appetizer, holiday party meatballs