Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs: A Sizzling Delight

Are you ready to elevate your sandwich game with some mouthwatering goodness? Look no further than these irresistible Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs! Packed with juicy meatballs, crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and a sweet-tangy bourbon BBQ sauce, these subs are a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Picture this: a lazy Sunday afternoon, the game on TV, and the aroma of bourbon BBQ sauce filling your home as these delectable meatball subs sizzle away in the oven. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings everyone together, making it perfect for cozy nights in or entertaining friends during game day. Trust me, once you whip up a batch of these subs, they’ll become a household favorite that will have everyone begging for more.

The secret to these Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs lies in the layers of flavors that come together in every bite. From the rich bourbon BBQ sauce to the savory meatballs and crispy bacon, each component plays a vital role in creating a sandwich that’s nothing short of extraordinary. So, roll up your sleeves, get your ingredients ready, and get ready to indulge in a culinary experience that will leave you craving for seconds.

Quick Benefits

• Elevates basic ingredients with rich, smoky, and cheesy flavors
• Can be prepped ahead for convenience and tastes even better the next day
• Versatile recipe—customize with different meats, cheeses, sauces, and toppings
• Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep and future enjoyment

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs: A Sizzling Delight Recipe

• Rich, Smoky, and Cheesy Flavors: Combines juicy meatballs, thick bacon, sweet-tangy bourbon BBQ sauce, and melty cheese for a flavor-packed experience reminiscent of a classic burger.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends during game day – a saucy sandwich that’s pure comfort.
• No Leftovers Guarantee: The delicious combination ensures that there won’t be any leftovers after everyone savors these subs.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the meatball mixture the night before or store cooked meatballs in the fridge for up to three days. Everything tastes even better the next day!
• Customizable: Easily switch up ingredients to suit your preferences, adding extra oomph with Italian sausage, swapping ground beef for turkey, or adding more heat with red pepper flakes or spicy BBQ sauce.
• Perfect Party Food: Serve these subs at gatherings alongside sides like crisp salad, homemade potato chips, or crunchy coleslaw. Slice them smaller for easy party snacking.
• Versatile Ingredient Tips: Tips for working with ground beef, choosing BBQ sauce, freezing meatballs, and accommodating dietary preferences make this recipe adaptable for anyone.
• Bourbon Infusion: For an extra kick of bourbon flavor, add a tablespoon to the hot pan before the BBQ sauce for richness in every bite.
• Perfect Bread Choice: Hoagie buns or soft sub rolls are recommended for holding all the saucy goodness without getting soggy. Toast them for an added crunch factor.

Ingredients for Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs: A Sizzling Delight

Meatball Mixture

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
• 120 g breadcrumbs
• 450 g ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking & Toppings

• 15 ml olive oil
• 8 slices thick-cut crispy bacon
• 240 ml bourbon BBQ sauce
• 4 bakery-style sub rolls
• 115 g shredded cheddar cheese

Pro Tips for Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs: A Sizzling Delight

Pro Tip 1: To ensure your meatballs are juicy and flavorful, avoid overworking the ground beef mixture. Gentle mixing is key. If the mixture looks dry, a splash of milk can help add tenderness to the meatballs.

Pro Tip 2: Customize your sizzling bourbon BBQ meatball subs to your taste! Experiment with different types of meat such as a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, or opt for ground turkey for a lighter option. Feel free to spice things up by adding red pepper flakes or using a spicier BBQ sauce. Don’t be afraid to swap the cheese for provolone, pepper jack, or smoked gouda to suit your preferences.

Pro Tip 3: Save time by prepping ahead. Make the meatball mixture the night before or cook the meatballs in the sauce and store them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will have a chance to meld together, resulting in even tastier subs the next day. You can even freeze the meatballs for up to three months for a quick and easy meal whenever you’re craving those delicious bourbon BBQ flavors.

How to Make Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs: A Sizzling Delight

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 190°C for toasting the rolls.

Step 2: Prepare Meatball Mixture

Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix by hand until evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Step 3: Shape Meatballs

Shape the mixture into evenly sized balls about 4 cm in diameter. Dampen hands lightly to prevent sticking and roll gently to form round, cohesive meatballs. You should end up with approximately 16 to 20 meatballs.

Step 4: Brown Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Arrange meatballs in a single layer, searing each side until a deep brown crust forms, about 2 minutes per side. Cook in batches to prevent overcrowding. Meatballs do not need to be fully cooked yet.

Step 5: Simmer in BBQ Sauce

Add the browned meatballs back to the skillet and pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, basting occasionally for even coating and cooking.

Step 6: Toast Sub Rolls

While meatballs simmer, slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 7: Assemble Subs

Place 4 to 5 meatballs in each toasted roll. Drizzle BBQ sauce over meatballs. Sprinkle 30 g of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 slices of crispy bacon on top of each roll, breaking bacon into pieces if desired.

Step 8: Melt Cheese

Bake the filled subs in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the subs promptly with any extra bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs, store any leftovers properly to enjoy them later. If you have leftover meatballs in the sauce, let them cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat the meatballs in a skillet until hot, then assemble your subs for a delicious meal. The flavors tend to meld and develop even further, making them taste even better the next day.

For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs. Whether raw or cooked, they can be frozen for up to three months. This allows you to have a quick and tasty meal on hand whenever you crave these mouthwatering subs. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped or in a sealed container to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and reheat them before assembling your subs. By following these storage tips, you can savor the delectable flavors of the bourbon BBQ meatball subs at your convenience.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to lighten up the dish, consider using ground turkey instead of ground beef. It will still provide a meaty texture but with less fat content. Additionally, you can swap out the cheddar cheese for a lighter option like reduced-fat cheddar or a milder cheese like mozzarella to reduce the overall richness of the subs.

For a vegetarian twist, you can skip the ground meat altogether and make meatless meatballs using ingredients like cooked lentils, mushrooms, or chickpeas. You can also use plant-based bacon or omit it entirely for a flavorful veggie version of the subs. To enhance the umami flavor, consider adding some nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky taste of bacon.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the bourbon in the BBQ sauce with apple juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. This adjustment will still give you a delicious sauce without the alcohol content. Additionally, if you don’t have bourbon BBQ sauce on hand, you can use a regular BBQ sauce and customize it with a touch of honey, Worcestershire sauce, or a dash of liquid smoke to amplify the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs, consider setting up a build-your-own sub bar for a party or game day gathering. Lay out the toasted sub rolls, meatballs in bourbon BBQ sauce, crispy bacon slices, shredded cheddar cheese, and a variety of toppings like pickled jalapeños, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms. Let your guests customize their subs with their favorite ingredients for a fun and interactive dining experience.

To take these meatball subs to the next level, serve them alongside a refreshing and tangy apple slaw. Simply toss together shredded green and red cabbage, matchstick-cut apples, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a crunchy and flavorful side dish that complements the rich and savory flavors of the subs. The slaw adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatball subs, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

FAQs for Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs: A Sizzling Delight

Can I prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day ahead. You can also cook the meatballs in the sauce, let them cool, and store them in the fridge for three days. Heat them gently in a skillet until hot when you’re ready to assemble your subs.

Can I freeze the meatballs for later use?

Absolutely! You can freeze the meatballs raw or cooked for up to three months. Just heat them up when you’re ready to enjoy them.

What can I use as a substitute for bacon in this recipe?

You can leave out the bacon altogether, use turkey bacon, or opt for a veggie version to suit your preferences. The subs will still taste delicious without bacon.

How can I enhance the bourbon flavor in the BBQ sauce?

If you want to intensify the bourbon flavor, you can pour a tablespoon of bourbon into the hot pan before adding the BBQ sauce. Let it simmer and evaporate to infuse your dish with extra richness.

Conclusion

These Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs are a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, cozy nights in, or whenever you need a comforting meal. The rich, smoky flavors from the bourbon BBQ sauce, paired with juicy meatballs and melty cheese, make every bite a delight. The best part? You can customize them to suit your taste preferences, whether you’re a spice lover or looking for a lighter option.

Remember, these subs are versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make them your own. You can even prep ahead to save time and enjoy the flavors even more the next day. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to a satisfying meal, these Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs are sure to hit the spot. So fire up that skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every delicious bite of these mouthwatering subs!