Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe

If you’re craving a fiery, finger-licking comfort food mashup that will make any dinner an absolute event, meet these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs. Each bite fires off all the best flavors — smoky bacon, tangy bourbon BBQ sauce, juicy beef, and melty cheddar, all packed into a toasty sub roll. Whether you’re serving these for game day, at a casual party, or for a next-level weeknight family dinner, the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are destined to steal the show with their bold flavors and endlessly customizable toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is how each simple ingredient stacks up to something outrageously good. Gather these basics, and let their personality shine in every bite. Don’t skip any—you’ll notice every element lending its magic to your subs!

• Ground beef: Go for 80/20 for extra-juicy, flavorful meatballs that don’t dry out in the oven.
• Bacon (6 slices, cooked & crumbled): Crispy bacon brings irresistible smokiness and a salty crunch in every bite.
• Breadcrumbs (¼ cup): These are the secret to meatballs that stay tender and don’t fall apart.
• Egg: Helps bind the mixture to keep your meatballs compact and moist.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds an unmistakable garlicky layer that deepens the flavor profile.
• Onion powder (1 tsp): Gives mellow sweetness and that signature cheeseburger tang without any raw bits.
• Salt & black pepper (to taste): Don’t hold back—season generously for the best boost in flavor.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Gives a creamy, classic melty finish—sharp cheddar is best if you love a punchy flavor.
• BBQ sauce (bourbon-style, 1 cup): The soul of the dish; a bourbon-infused BBQ sauce adds warmth, tang, and just a whiff of sweetness.
• Sub rolls (4): Choose sturdy sub rolls—they need to hold up to all the juicy, saucy goodness.
• Butter, melted (2 tbsp): Brushing the rolls before toasting gives a golden, crispy base that’s simply irresistible.
• Optional toppings (pickles, jalapeños, caramelized onions): These power-players bring freshness, heat, or sweet richness—mix and match to your mood!

How to Make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, take this chance to cook your bacon to crispy perfection (the smokier, the better!), and crumble it into chunky bits. Have your other ingredients measured out—it’ll make your meatball assembly so much easier and way more fun.

Step 2: Mix Up the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, the crumbled bacon, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Roll up your sleeves and dig in with your hands to combine everything. You want a well-blended mixture, but don’t overdo it—overmixing can make the meatballs tough rather than tender. That first familiar smell of bacon and beef is a promise of good things to come!

Step 3: Form Your Meatballs

Pinch off portions of your mix and roll into medium-sized meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. You should get around 16 meatballs, but don’t stress if there’s a bit more or less. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment for stick-free cleanup. Try to keep the shapes uniform so they bake evenly—no one wants a dry meatball in their Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray of meatballs into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until they’re nicely browned on the outside and fully cooked inside. Don’t be surprised if the aroma pulls family members into the kitchen before the timer even goes off!

Step 5: Toss in Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Grab a roomy bowl and as soon as your meatballs are hot out of the oven, pour in that luscious bourbon BBQ sauce. Gently toss until every meatball is glossy and entirely coated—the sauce soaks in best while the meatballs are warm. This is where that signature flavor for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs really gets locked in.

Step 6: Toast the Sub Rolls

Cut each sub roll lengthwise, but don’t slice all the way through—you want a hinge to keep everything together. Brush generously with melted butter, then pop the rolls open-faced onto a baking tray. Toast in the oven until lightly golden, about 3–5 minutes. This gives you those craveable crunchy edges that put these subs over the top.

Step 7: Assemble and Broil with Cheese

Time for the main event! Nestle several saucy meatballs into each toasted sub roll, then shower generously with shredded cheddar. Slip them under the broiler for just 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey. Watch closely so they don’t burn—cheese can go from gold to char in seconds!

Step 8: Top and Serve

This is where you can really put your stamp on these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs. Add extra crumbled bacon, tangy pickle slices, jalapeño rounds, or a layer of caramelized onions. Pile on your favorites, then get ready for an unforgettable bite.

How to Serve Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Garnishes

A finishing flourish takes these subs from delicious to droolworthy. Try a sprinkle of fresh chives, extra shredded cheddar, or crunchy fried onions for contrast. A quick brush of extra BBQ sauce over the top never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

Classic potato wedges, crispy fries, or even a bright, tangy coleslaw pair perfectly with the richness of Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp green salad or tangy pickled veggies to balance out the meatballs’ bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a crowd? Slice your subs into slider-sized pieces and secure with cute sandwich picks for party platters. For a playful touch, serve on a big wooden board with bowls of extra toppings and sauces—let guests build their dream sub, their way. These also look amazing wrapped up picnic-style for a surprise lunch treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the meatballs, sauce, and buns separate if possible—this prevents sogginess and keeps the rolls toasty when you reheat.

Freezing

The meatballs themselves freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for more sub action. Don’t freeze fully assembled subs, as the buns don’t fare as well after time in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat the meatballs with extra BBQ sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, or for a quick fix, in the microwave until hot throughout. Pop the rolls in the oven or toaster to re-crisp, then assemble as usual. Add cheese and broil again for that just-made melt!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger taste, feel free to switch it up with Monterey Jack, smoked Gouda, or pepper jack for extra kick. Use what you love or have on hand.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of bourbon BBQ sauce?

Yes! Many store-bought bourbon BBQ sauces don’t actually contain alcohol, but if you want to avoid it entirely, choose any tangy, smoky BBQ sauce you enjoy, or make your own with a splash of apple juice or liquid smoke for a similar depth.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and sub rolls. Double-check your BBQ sauce too, as some may contain gluten. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten-free, so no one has to miss out!

What’s the best way to keep the meatballs moist?

Be sure not to overbake the meatballs, and use an 80/20 beef blend if you can—fat equals flavor and moisture. The egg and breadcrumbs also help lock in juices. Tossing the meatballs in warm BBQ sauce right out of the oven also keeps them juicy and saucy.

Can I prep any parts in advance?

Yes, you can mix and shape the meatballs a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. On the day you want to serve, bake, sauce, and assemble—this makes meal prep a breeze!

Final Thoughts

Few dishes bring people together quite like these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs. They’re hearty, playful, and overflowing with personality. Whether you’re feeding your own crowd or treating yourself to an epic dinner, give these a try and discover just how irresistible homemade subs can be!

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