BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

These BBQ bacon wrapped meatballs are juicy, smoky and coated in sweet barbecue sauce, making them the perfect appetizer for parties or game day. Combining seasoned meatballs with crispy bacon creates a bold flavor and irresistible texture that everyone loves.

Why These Bacon Wrapped Meatballs Work

With bacon, bbq sauce and juicy meatballs, you really can’t go wrong!

• Two favorites combined – These meatballs combine two classic comfort foods- juicy meatballs and crispy bacon- into one irresistible appetizer.
• An appetizer rather than a meal – Traditional meatballs are usually served with tomato sauce or pasta, but bacon wrapped meatballs are designed to be a stand-alone appetizer.
• Two meats for ultimate flavor and texture – Because the recipe uses both ground beef and pork, the meatballs stay tender and flavorful while the bacon crisps up on the outside.

Gather This

Homemade meatballs are the way to go, but this list can be scaled down to just 3 ingredients if needed. See my notes below. This wouldn’t be a meatball recipes without meatballs! I took the time to make my own because homemade is just so much better. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

• Ground Beef and Ground Pork– Don’t skimp on the fat! It adds flavor and moisture, 80/20 or 85/15 are ideal. You can also grab a mackage of “meatloaf mix” which commonly includes veal too or use all pork or all beef, ground chicken or ground turkey. Remember, meatballs just need to be made with meat, you aren’t limited to ground beef.

BBQ Sauce

Have fun with this one or even make a few varieties. My kids prefer their BBQ meatballs with a sweeter sauce, while hubby likes something that makes his eyes water and I’m partial to a golden Carolina flavor.

While I like to use a homemade BBQ sauce, such as Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce , Cran Blueberry or Cola BBQ Sauce you can use your own homemade or jarred. Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce is also a sweet and tangy treat.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Just follow these simple steps to the easiest and most delicious meatballs you’ll ever make.

1. Prepare oven and pan. Preheat the oven and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you use aluminum foil, also lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine meatball ingredients. In a large bowl, toss together the onion, ground meat, egg, seasonings, bread crumbs and evaporated milk. Avoid over mixing which can lead to dry meatballs. Check out our tips for making the best meatballs.
3. Form meatballs. Tossing small bits of the meat mixture from hand to hand, form meatballs into 24 small meatballs, cocktail sized around 1-2 inches in diameter, about the size of a golf ball.
4. Wrap in bacon. Wrap a strip of bacon around each meatball, trying not to stretch it out as you go. Place meatballs onto the baking sheet in a single layer and with room between each.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, remove and baste with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Baste again with BBQ sauce before serving. Please note that cooking times will vary with the size of your meatballs, check for an internal temperature of 145 or higher. The sauce should be nice and sticky.
6. Garnish with parsley, chives or scallions. Or leave them plain. Serve with toothpicks or small cocktail forks.

Variations

If you want to these BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs up a notch, try adding a pinch of your favorite, melty cheese in the center of each meatball.

• Stuff them with cheese! Something like Velveeta, pepperjack, or a mild cheddar would be absolutely delicious.
• Spicy Meatball– Add chopped jalapeno or habanero peppers to the meatball mixture, use a spicy BBQ sauce, jalapeno laced spicy bacon strips, chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Cajun Meatballs– Add 1 tablespoon of cajun spice blend to the meatball mix.
• Taco Meatballs- Add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the meatball mix and then baste with enchilada sauce instead of BBQ sauce.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

These meatballs are a cinch to make, but I do have some tips to make things even easier.

• Don’t over-mix – Overmixing the meatball mixture can make meatballs dense instead of tender.
• Use thin sliced bacon – Thin bacon cooks more evenly and crisps up better in the oven.
• Place the seam side down – This prevents the bacon from unraveling off of the meatball while cooking.
• Leave space between each – Proper spacing helps the bacon cook evenly and become crispy.

More Meatball Recipes

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BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs Recipe

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These BBQ bacon wrapped meatballs are smoky, juicy and glazed with BBQ sauce. An easy appetizer recipe perfect for parties, game day or holiday gatherings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

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Servings: 24

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Equipment

• Garlic press
• Silicone Basting Brush
• Parchment Paper
• Box Grater

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef , 85/15 or 80/20
• 1 pound ground pork
• 5 ounces evaporated milk
• 2 eggs , lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 medium sweet onion , minced
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic , minced
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 24 strips bacon
• 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce
• chives, scallions or parsley , minced for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, break apart the 1 pound ground beef and 1 pound ground pork using your hands. Pour the 5 ounces evaporated milk and lightly whisked 2 eggs over top and then sprinkle the 3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs, minced 1/2 medium sweet onion, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 2 teaspoons garlic and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt. Use your hands to toss and gently combine being careful to not over mix.
• Tossing from hand to hand, form into 24 small meatballs about the size of a golf ball.
• Wrap each one with a strip of bacon, setting seam side down onto the baking sheet leaving 1-2 inches between each.
• Bake for 15 minutes. Remove and baste with the 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Baste again with the BBQ sauce before serving. Please note that cooking times will vary with the size of your meatballs, check for an internal temperature of 145°F or higher.
• Garnish with chopped parsley, scallions or chives.
• If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Notes

Also feel free to use premade raw meatballs- these can often be found near ground beef in the meat department. 

Storage: Meatballs and sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and honestly, they will only gain more flavor sitting and marinating. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Place in an airtight plastic freezer bag and expel as much air as possible. Keep frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan. 

Nutrition

Calories: 193 kcal, Carbohydrates: 9 g, Protein: 9 g, Fat: 13 g, Saturated Fat: 5 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g, Trans Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 50 mg, Sodium: 329 mg, Potassium: 193 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 5 g, Vitamin A: 74 IU, Vitamin C: 1 mg, Calcium: 37 mg, Iron: 1 mg

Author: Chef Jessica Formicola

Calories: 193

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bacon wrapped meatballs, baked appetizer, BBQ bacon wrapped meatballs, bbq meatballs, game day food, party appetizer

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