Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a tasty variation on an already tasty meatball sub that includes all that was good about a cheeseburger, but with bold bourbon barbecue sauce and crispy bacon. The result? A delicious, tasty sandwich, great at lunch, dinner or even game time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
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1/2 lb sausage meat (without fat) (or meatballs with juicy size)
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt, black pepper, to taste
For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce:
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1 cup barbecue sauce (bought or made)
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4 oz of bourbon (additional flavor)
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Subs:
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4 soft sub rolls or hoagie buns
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1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
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6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
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Parsley or chives (to garnish) fresh (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Meatballs
Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Blend with your hands or a spoon until fully mixed–do not overmix or the meatballs will be hard.
Shape and Cook
Shape into balls, of similar size, the mixture into meatballs, nearly 1.5 inches in size. On a medium heat in a skillet, brown the meatballs all around and the process will take about 5 minutes. Brown them, and then put them on the baking sheet.
Turn your oven on and set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook the meatballs in the oven until they are completely cooked.
Make Bourbon BBQ Sauce
As the meatballs are baking, add the barbecue sauce, bourbon (or not), brown sugar, and smoked paprika into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Warm and simmer 5-7 minutes, so that the flavors can fuse, and that the sauce becomes a bit thicker.
Toss Meatballs in Sauce
After cooking the meatballs, add them into the warm, bourbon BBQ sauce and gently move them around until the whole batch is covered and the taste has been sucked into them.
Assemble the Subs
Cut the sub rolls along the grain then toast them a bit to give them that crunchy texture and to avoid them being too moist. Stuff each roll with a couple of bourbon BBQ meatballs and drizzle a little more sauce, if you wish, before sprinkling with chopped crispy bacon.
Cheddar cheese is a top item that is generously added in.
Melt the Cheese
Put the assembled subs on a baking sheet and place them in the broiler 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Garnish and Serve
Add fresh parsley or chives, sprinkled on top, if you wish, and serve immediately, hot and sticky.
Some suggestions on the Ideal Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
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Meat option: Since you want to add more flavor and juiciness, beef mixed with a little fat (80/20) is a good option. It is also possible to combine beef and pork.
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Homemade BBQ sauce: Homemade barbecue sauce using bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar and spices will actually take the dish to the next level.
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Buns: Soft and substantial rolls are necessary to support plump meatballs and sauce–brioche buns are also a good choice.
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Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a fantastic melt but you can use Monterey Jack or smoked Gouda.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These subs unite the smoky, savory, sweet, and cheesy taste of a cheeseburger and meatball sub to one warm, comforting sandwich. They can be used as a snack in a casual gathering or a full meal any day of the week.
The bourbon BBQ sauce contributes a deeper rich flavor and mild sweetness and the crunchy bacon gives a good contrast to the soft meatballs. And melted cheddar cheese? This is the last ingredient that renders this sandwich to be addictive.
Final Thoughts
When you are in the mood to eat an adult sandwich that makes everything make a tune, you must have these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs. They are incredibly simple to prepare and the reward with regard to flavor is amazing.
This recipe is good to be used next time you want something good and something different. It will make your taste buds happier!
