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by tweaking the flavors or adding spices to make it your own.
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#### Ingredients for Honey BBQ Meatballs
These meatballs use simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch:
**For the Meatballs:**
– 1 lb **ground beef**, turkey, or chicken (your choice)
– 1/2 cup **breadcrumbs** (for binding)
– 1/4 cup **milk**
– 1 large **egg**
– 1/2 cup **onion**, finely chopped
– 2 cloves **garlic**, minced
– 1 tsp **dried oregano**
– 1/2 tsp **salt**
– 1/4 tsp **black pepper**
**For the Honey BBQ Sauce:**
– 1 cup **BBQ sauce** (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tbsp **honey**
– 1 tbsp **apple cider vinegar** (or lemon juice)
– 1/2 tsp **garlic powder**
– 1/2 tsp **onion powder**
– 1/4 tsp **smoked paprika** (optional, for a smoky flavor)
**For Garnish (Optional):**
– Fresh **parsley**, chopped
– **Sesame seeds** or **green onions**, finely chopped
#### Instructions for Making Honey BBQ Meatballs
**Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture**
– In a large bowl, combine the **ground meat**, **breadcrumbs**, **milk**, **egg**, **onion**, **garlic**, **oregano**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to dense meatballs.
– Once the mixture is ready, roll the meat into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. You should end up with about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
**Step 2: Cook the Meatballs**
– Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
– Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent them from sticking and make cleanup easier.
– Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for **15-20 minutes**, or until they are fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature should reach **160°F (71°C)** if using ground beef, or **165°F (74°C)** for poultry.
**Step 3: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce**
– While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the **BBQ sauce**, **honey**, **apple cider vinegar**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and **smoked paprika** (if using).
– Stir everything together over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Allow it to simmer for about **5 minutes**, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess if needed by adding more honey or vinegar.
**Step 4: Coat the Meatballs in Sauce**
– Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven. Pour the prepared **Honey BBQ sauce** over the meatballs, tossing gently to coat them evenly in the sauce. You can also return the meatballs to the oven for an additional **5 minutes** to let the sauce set and become sticky.
**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
– Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with chopped **parsley**, **sesame seeds**, or **green onions** for a touch of color and freshness.
– Serve the meatballs as an appetizer, over rice, or alongside mashed potatoes for a delicious meal.
#### Tips for the Best Honey BBQ Meatballs
– **Use Lean Ground Meat**: If you’re making the meatballs with ground beef, choose leaner cuts (like 90% lean) to avoid excess grease. For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken works perfectly.
– **Don’t Overmix**: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be careful not to overwork the mixture. Overmixing can result in dense meatballs.
– **Add Extra Spice**: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** or a dash of **hot sauce** to the sauce for an added kick.
– **Make Them Ahead**: These meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just heat them up in the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
– **Adjust the Sauce**: Feel free to adjust the ratio of **honey** and **BBQ sauce** to make it sweeter or tangier, depending on your preference.
#### Why These Honey BBQ Meatballs Are So Popular
– **Great for Parties and Gatherings**: These meatballs are the perfect finger food for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. Serve them on skewers for easy handling or in a bowl for a more casual vibe.
– **A Flavorful Twist on Classic Meatballs**: The combination of **honey** and **BBQ sauce** is a delightful twist on the traditional meatball recipes, offering a balanced flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory.
– **Kid-Friendly**: With their sweet BBQ glaze, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a great choice for family dinners.
#### Conclusion
**Honey BBQ Meatballs** are a delicious, simple-to-make dish that brings together the best of both worlds—sweet and savory flavors with tender, juicy meatballs. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, main course, or snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. So, the next time you’re looking for a flavorful and easy meal that’s sure to please, give these honey BBQ meatballs a try!
