Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

Here’s a bold, saucy, and irresistible recipe for Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs — smoky, sweet, a little boozy, and perfect for game day, casual dinners, or anytime comfort food cravings hit.

🥖 Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

🍖 Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup onion, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp milk

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

• ¼ cup bourbon

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

• Dash of hot sauce (optional, for kick)

For the Subs:

• 4–6 hoagie rolls or sub buns

• 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone

• Butter, for toasting rolls (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • In a bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until just combined.

   • Roll into 1.5-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

   • Bake for 15–18 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

2. Make the Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

   • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, vinegar, smoked paprika, and hot sauce.

   • Simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and alcohol is cooked off.

3. Toss Meatballs in Sauce:

   • Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat well.

   • Simmer for another 3–5 minutes to let flavors meld.

4. Assemble the Subs:

   • Lightly butter and toast your rolls, if desired.

   • Spoon 3–4 saucy meatballs into each roll.

   • Sprinkle generously with cheese.

5. Melt the Cheese (Optional but Delicious):

   • Place assembled subs on a baking tray and broil for 1–2 minutes, just until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped parsley or pickled onions if you like, and serve warm!

🧊 Tips & Variations:

• Swap beef for turkey or plant-based meat for a twist.

• Add caramelized onions or pickles for extra flavor layers.

• Want a slow cooker version? Brown the meatballs, then simmer in sauce in your slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours.