Gather your friends and family around the table this winter with a comforting, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Introducing our Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Meatballs — a modern twist on a classic that will have your guests coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Packed with savory, smoky, and slightly sweet notes, these meatballs are the perfect addition to your holiday spread.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Meatballs for Winter Gatherings
These Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your winter gatherings. The combination of juicy, tender meatballs coated in a rich, sticky-sweet glaze infused with the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon is the epitome of comfort and indulgence. The best part? These meatballs are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, leaving you more time to mingle with your guests and enjoy the festivities. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or a lively holiday bash, these meatballs are guaranteed to be the star of the show.
Ingredients
To make these Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Meatballs, you’ll need a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, ground beef, which is combined with savory seasonings, breadcrumbs, and an egg to create the perfect meatball base. The glaze is a harmonious blend of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and smoked paprika, which gives the meatballs their signature smoky-sweet flavor. And let’s not forget the crispy bacon bits that add a delightful crunch and salty contrast to the dish.
- 1 pound – Ground beef
- 1/2 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 1 – Egg
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon – Onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon – Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon – Black pepper
- 1/2 cup – Maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons – Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon – Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon – Smoked paprika
- 6 slices – Crispy bacon, crumbled
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or pork (similar texture and flavor profile)
- Meat-Based Meatballs: Plant-based meatballs or lentil-based balls (for a vegetarian option)
How to Make Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Meatballs for Winter Gatherings
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the meatball mixture into evenly sized balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and slightly browned.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the smoky maple bacon glaze. In a saucepan, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the glaze and gently toss to coat. Sprinkle the crispy bacon bits over the glazed meatballs and give them a final stir to combine.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add a Kick of Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
- Try Different Meats: Experiment with ground turkey or pork to create your own signature meatball recipe.
- Festive Presentation: Serve the meatballs on skewers or as part of a larger holiday charcuterie board.
- Flavor Variations: Use honey or another type of mustard in the glaze to create your own unique flavor profile.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Storage: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Make-Ahead: The meatballs can be prepared and baked a day or two in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to reheat and glaze.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Meatballs is a cozy, comforting delight, packed with 25 grams of protein and just 360 calories. The combination of lean ground beef, heart-healthy fats from the bacon, and natural sweetness from the maple syrup creates a well-balanced dish that will nourish your body and soul.
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 24 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! The meatballs can be prepared and baked a day or two ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to reheat and glaze them.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can! Bake the meatballs as directed, let them cool completely, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat and glaze them.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Definitely! While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute ground turkey, pork, or a combination of meats to suit your preferences.
Can I make these meatballs spicy?
Absolutely! To add a little heat, try incorporating some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture or the glaze.
Can I serve these meatballs as an appetizer?
Absolutely! These Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Meatballs make a fantastic appetizer when served on toothpicks or mini skewers. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat for your winter gatherings.
Try These Next
- smoky bacon and maple pancakes for a cozy morning
- cranberry glazed turkey meatballs for festive feasts
- smoky bbq bacon glazed ribs with tangy sauce
Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Meatballs for Winter Gatherings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Meatballs are the perfect festive appetizer for winter gatherings. They are sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 lb cooked bacon, chopped
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until well combined.
4. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by combining the maple syrup and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce for about 5 minutes.
7. Remove the meatballs from the oven and drizzle the glaze over them. Sprinkle the chopped bacon on top.
8. Return the meatballs to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
10.
Notes
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
Feel free to adjust the amount of smoked paprika based on your spice preference.
They pair wonderfully with toothpicks for easy serving at gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: meatballs, bacon, maple, appetizer