Gather ’round, my fellow flavor seekers! Today, we’re about to embark on a mouthwatering adventure with these Applewood Smoked BBQ Meatball Sliders. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and utterly delightful. These little sliders are packed with juicy meatballs, smothered in a rich, tangy sauce, and nestled between soft, pillowy buns. It’s a flavor symphony that’s sure to have your taste buds dancing. So let’s dive in and create a dish that’s guaranteed to bring people together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Applewood Smoked BBQ Meatball Sliders with Tangy Sauce
These Applewood Smoked BBQ Meatball Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish. The meatballs are infused with the irresistible smoky flavor of applewood, giving them a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and craveable. The tangy sauce provides the perfect counterpoint, adding a zesty kick that balances the richness of the meatballs. Plus, these sliders are super easy to make, with simple, chef-tested steps that guarantee reliable results every time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, game night, or just craving a delicious, handheld meal, these sliders are sure to be the star of the show.
Ingredients
To make these Applewood Smoked BBQ Meatball Sliders, you’ll need a few key ingredients: ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, applewood smoked salt, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, and a mix of spices to create that irresistible smoky-sweet flavor. For the tangy sauce, you’ll need ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a few more seasonings. And of course, you’ll need those soft, pillowy slider buns to hold it all together.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of the beef (similar flavor and texture).
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs work great for a gluten-free option (dietary swap).
How to Make Applewood Smoked BBQ Meatball Sliders with Tangy Sauce
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, applewood smoked salt, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, and a blend of spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
Step 1: Prep Work
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, portion the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the meatballs until they’re cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
While the meatballs are baking, make the tangy sauce by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a dash of garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with the tangy sauce until they’re evenly coated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
To assemble the sliders, simply place a saucy meatball on each slider bun and serve them warm. Garnish with any extra toppings you desire, like crispy onion strings, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Grilling Option: For an extra smoky twist, try grilling the meatballs instead of baking them.
- Sauce Variations: Experiment with different types of sauces, like a spicy barbecue or a creamy, tangy ranch-style dip.
- Serving as Appetizer: If you’re feeding a crowd, double or triple the recipe and serve the meatballs as a standalone appetizer.
- Slider Bar: For a fun, interactive meal, set up a slider bar with an assortment of toppings and let your guests build their own custom sliders.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Applewood Smoked BBQ Meatball Sliders are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a variety of sides like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage. The assembled sliders can be kept warm in a low oven for up to 30 minutes, but they’re at their best straight out of the kitchen.
Reheat: When ready to serve, simply reheat the meatballs and toss them with the tangy sauce.
Make-Ahead: The meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making these sliders a great option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Nutrition Information
One serving of these Applewood Smoked BBQ Meatball Sliders (1 slider) contains approximately 250 calories, 12g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 15g of protein. They’re a satisfying and flavorful option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! The meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the meatballs and toss them with the tangy sauce.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for the beef. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How can I make these sliders gluten-free?
To make these sliders gluten-free, simply swap out the regular panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour as a binder for the meatballs.
Can I grill the meatballs instead of baking them?
Absolutely! Grilling the meatballs is a great way to get that delicious, smoky char. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them and turn them frequently to ensure they cook through evenly.
What should I serve with these Applewood Smoked BBQ Meatball Sliders?
These sliders are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a variety of sides like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, you can serve them alongside roasted potatoes or a simple side of fries.
Try These Next
- Bbq Bacon Smoked Brisket Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Smoky Bbq Beef Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Smoky Maple Bbq Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
Applewood Smoked BBQ Meatball Sliders with Tangy Sauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Applewood Smoked BBQ Meatball Sliders are tender, flavorful, and topped with a tangy sauce that brings the perfect balance of sweetness and zest. Perfect for your next BBQ!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
12 slider buns
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) using applewood chips.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place the meatballs on a smoker rack and smoke for about 1 hour or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
5. While meatballs are smoking, prepare the tangy sauce by mixing BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan. Heat over medium until warmed through.
6. Once the meatballs are done, remove from the smoker and toss them in the tangy sauce.
7. Serve the meatballs on slider buns and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture.
You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before smoking.
Experiment with different types of wood chips for a unique flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: meatballs, sliders, BBQ, applewood, smoked