Favorite Bourbon Meatballs Appetizer
This bourbon meatballs recipe is a crowd favorite! It’s one of my must-have appetizers on the menu for cocktail parties and holiday parties, as well as for a Kentucky derby party. Just add everything to the slow cooker for easy prep!
I’ve been hosting parties for over 2 decades and this saucy meatball recipe is always on the menu for a large group. My friends just devour these meatballs!
When it comes to heavy hors d’oeuvres, a crock pot full of cocktail meatballs is always a welcome item. It acts as hearty “main dish” for an appetizer menu and it’s so delicious.
The bourbon sauce is sweet and savory, with lots of depth. And you can make it up to a day ahead if you want to.
Why You’ll Love It
If you’ve made the classic meatballs with jelly and chili sauce, it’s time to upgrade to this bourbon infused version. It’s easy to make and you can put them in the slow cooker 3 or 4 hours before your guests arrive.
- They feed a crowd with very little effort. The magic is in the sauce and this recipe is tried and true.
- It can be made ahead in the crockpot for easy entertaining.
- The recipe appeals to men, women, and children (the alcohol cooks off).
- Not only are cocktail meatballs economical, they’re also a great time saver.
Ingredient Notes
This is not the complete list – you can see that in the recipe card below – but these are the notes for specific items.
- Cocktail size Italian meatballs. I get the frozen bags from Costco, Sam’s Club or Walmart.
- Barbecue Sauce. Use a simple original flavor. Sweet Baby Ray’s is one of my favorites, but you can use another brand too.
- Bourbon. No need to use a high end brand, but the alcohol does cook off and you’re left with the sweet essence of bourbon. Grab a pint size to save money if you don’t typically drink bourbon.
- Yellow mustard. This recipe uses one cup which may sound like a lot, but trust me on this. It will NOT taste like mustard!
How to Make It
- Add the meatballs into a slow cooker.
- Top with sauce and cook on high for about 3 hours.
Helpful Tips
For the best flavor, make the bourbon meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.
Letting the recipe sit overnight allows the meatballs to fully absorb the flavors of the sauce. Also, the fat that’s rendered from cooking the meatballs will float to the top and harden when it gets cold. Then you can skim it off with a spoon before re-heating and serving.
These bourbon meatballs fit right into a Kentucky derby party menu since bourbon is a big theme at the event.
Another bourbon infused recipe that’s great for holidays and derby parties is sweet bourbon balls. These are great for when you want small bites of sweetness.
What to Serve With It
When I serve these for a Christmas cocktail party, I round out the menu with these items.
- For a great start to a cocktail party menu serve these meatballs, plus marinated shrimp cocktail.
- Add one of these baked brie topped 3 ways, and baked spinach and artichoke dip.
- Round out with veggie dip cups or a crudites platter.
- And for some sweet bites try these champagne Jello squares and sweet & spicy pecans.
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Bourbon Meatballs Appetizer Recipe
This Meatballs in Bourbon Sauce is a classic party appetizer recipe. They're always the first thing people want to eat at cocktail parties or home entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) bag Frozen meatballs (I get them from Sam’s or Costco)
- 2 cups traditional barbecue sauce
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 1 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Add frozen meatballs to large crock pot. Combine all of sauce ingredients together in a bowl and then pour over meatballs.
- Add lid and cook on high for 2-3 hours. Turn to low or warm setting and serve.
Notes
I like to transfer these to a pretty chafing dish with sterno to keep them warm, for a party!
Sounds delicious! How do you recommend reheating them if you make them ahead of time?
Hi Caroline, for a party I reheat in the crock pot and serve them directly from there, or transfer them to a chafing dish once they’re warmed through. You can also heat them in a large pot on the stove over medium-low heat. You should have plenty of sauce to warm them in.
Can you use “Italian styled” meatballs? I am asking because that is what my Costco has right now. Otherwise I need to look somewhere else.
Yes!! That’s what I use too! 😀
Looks like very easy to prepare yet everyone would enjoy, especially the kids.