These Whiskey Peach BBQ Meatballs are a fun and tasty dish! The sweet peaches and smoky whiskey create a delicious sauce that coats each juicy meatball perfectly.
Who didn’t love meatballs as a kid? With this twist, you might just find yourself stealing a few before dinner is served! I love serving them with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I typically use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. They will work fine, just keep an eye on cooking time as they may cook faster.
Peach Preserves: Fresh peaches can be used if you prefer. Just chop them finely and cook them down with sugar and some water to make a quick sauce. Alternatively, apricot jam works as a nice substitute for a different fruity flavor.
Whiskey: Bourbon or rye is my go-to, but if you’re avoiding alcohol, you could use apple juice or a mix of apple cider vinegar with some water for tanginess without the booze.
Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely crushed nuts. They help hold the meatballs together but will give a slightly different texture.
How Do I Cook Meatballs Without Drying Them Out?
The key to juicy meatballs is not overworking the meat when mixing the ingredients. Combine everything until just blended, and then shape them gently. Here’s how to cook them perfectly:
- Keep the heat at medium and make sure your skillet is preheated before adding the meatballs to get a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Leave some space between meatballs so they brown evenly.
- After browning, transfer them into the sauce early on. This keeps them moist while they finish cooking in the flavorful BBQ sauce.
Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. They should reach 160°F (70°C) which will keep them juicy and tender.
Whiskey Peach BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup whiskey (bourbon or rye recommended)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh green onions or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 30 minutes for cooking. Altogether, you’ll need around 45 minutes before you can dig into these delicious meatballs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to overwork the mixture, as you want your meatballs to be tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil it. Once hot, add the meatballs and brown them, turning occasionally, until they are nicely seared all over but not fully cooked through (this should take about 5-7 minutes).
4. Prepare the Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce:
While the meatballs are cooking, grab a medium saucepan. Combine the peach preserves, barbecue sauce, whiskey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Stir everything together well, then bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Carefully transfer the browned meatballs into the saucepan with the BBQ sauce. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs with the flavorful sauce.
6. Simmer and Finish Cooking:
Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the meatballs to cook through and the sauce to become thick and sticky.
7. Serve:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the meatballs from the sauce and place them on a serving platter. Reserve the extra sauce for dipping.
8. Garnish:
Sprinkle chopped fresh green onions or parsley over the meatballs for a pop of color and extra flavor.
9. Enjoy!
Serve the whiskey peach BBQ meatballs warm, with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or as a delightful appetizer for dinner. They’re sure to be a hit!
—
These whiskey peach BBQ meatballs are smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy, delivering a deliciously unique flavor that’s perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Enjoy every juicy bite!
img src=”https://tastyhomejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/whiskey-peach-bbq-meatballs.webp” alt=””>
Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground meat! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or use the quick-thaw method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you want to freeze them, ensure they’re cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to 3 months.
Can I Make the Sauce Without Whiskey?
Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the whiskey with apple juice or even a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. This will provide a slightly different flavor but still create a delicious sauce.
What Can I Serve with These Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with a side of rice, pasta, or even crispy bread to soak up the sauce. They also make a great addition to sliders or sandwiches! For a lighter option, serve them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.