Gather around the table for a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to be the star of your next backyard BBQ or cozy indoor gathering. These Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs are a masterful fusion of savory, sweet, and irresistibly tender bites that will have your guests coming back for more. Let’s dive in and discover the delicious story behind this crowd-pleasing recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs
Imagine juicy, flame-kissed meatballs wrapped in a layer of crispy, smoky bacon and glazed with a sticky-sweet honey-based sauce. These Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors, from the salty-savory notes of the bacon to the lush, caramelized honey glaze that perfectly balances the richness of the meat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a cozy movie night, or a holiday gathering, these meatballs are sure to be the star of the show, bringing people together with their irresistible aroma and craveable texture.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple yet flavor-packed ingredient list that you can easily find at your local grocery store. The stars of the show are ground beef, thick-cut bacon, and a sweet honey glaze that ties it all together. Get ready to experience the magic of these Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs!
- 1 lb (454 g) – Ground beef
- 1/2 cup (60 g) – Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 12 slices – Thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) – Honey
- 2 tbsp – Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp – Smoked paprika
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option (the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly).
- Bacon: Experiment with different types of bacon, such as maple-cured or pepper-crusted, to add even more layers of flavor.
How to Make Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs
Get ready to create a showstopping dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Let’s break down the step-by-step process for making these Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven or grill to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, and black pepper to form the meatball base. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, ready to be wrapped in bacon.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Carefully wrap each meatball in a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet or grill grate, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Into the oven or onto the grill they go, where they’ll sizzle and brown to perfection for 18-22 minutes (baking) or 12-15 minutes (grilling), turning occasionally.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
As the meatballs are cooking, it’s time to prepare the honey glaze. In a saucepan, whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to create a sticky-sweet coating that will elevate these meatballs to new heights. Once the meatballs are cooked through, brush them generously with the honey glaze, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to caramelize.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For the final touch, you can sprinkle the glazed meatballs with a bit of freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Serve these Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs hot and piping, ready to be devoured by your hungry guests.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Meat Blend: Try swapping the beef for ground pork or a combination of meats for a more complex flavor profile.
- Seasoning Swap: Experiment with different seasonings, such as smoked paprika or garlic powder, to take the meatballs to new flavor heights.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Flavored Bacon: Use flavored or thick-cut bacon to elevate the dish even further.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Make-Ahead: The meatballs can be prepared and wrapped in bacon up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake or grill. Just be sure to brush them with the honey glaze right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Each Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatball is a delightful balance of protein, healthy fats, and just the right amount of sweetness. A single serving (2 meatballs) provides a satisfying 15 grams of protein, along with a moderate amount of carbohydrates and a touch of fiber. While the bacon does contribute some saturated fat, the overall nutritional profile of this dish makes it a guilt-free indulgence that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! The meatballs can be prepared and wrapped in bacon up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake or grill. Just be sure to brush them with the honey glaze right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I bake or grill these meatballs?
This recipe is versatile and can be cooked using either method. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the meatballs for 18-22 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the meatballs for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and the meatballs are fully cooked.
How can I make these meatballs spicy?
To add a spicy kick to your Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs, simply mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce into the meatball mixture. You can also drizzle the finished meatballs with a bit of your favorite hot sauce or a honey-based hot sauce for an extra layer of heat and flavor.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be adapted to use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef. The cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to keep a close eye on the meatballs and use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked through.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make these Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. You can also use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the glaze to make the entire dish suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
Try These Next
- double smoked bbq bacon wrapped meatballs
- cranberry glazed bacon wrapped brussels sprouts
- smoky bbq bacon wrapped jalapenos
Mouthwatering Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs are a deliciously sweet and savory treat, perfect for BBQs and gatherings!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
10 slices of bacon
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. 2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. 3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
5. 4. Cut each bacon slice in half and wrap each meatball with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
6. 5. Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. 6. In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and black pepper to create the glaze.
8. 7. Brush the glaze over each meatball.
9. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through.
10. 9. Remove from the oven and brush with additional glaze before serving.
11.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the meatball mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before forming.
You can also grill these meatballs for a smoky flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: meatballs, bacon, honey glaze, BBQ