Apple Butter Meatballs

Apple Butter Meatballs

These apple butter meatballs combine savory ground beef and pork with a sweet and tangy apple butter glaze. The meatballs are baked until golden and then tossed in a smooth glaze made from apple butter, bourbon, soy sauce, and a hint of maple syrup. It’s an easy yet flavorful dish, perfect as an appetizer or served with a side for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Meatballs:
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup finely minced white onion
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Apple Butter Bourbon Glaze:
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• salt to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine ground beef, ground pork, panko, onion, milk, egg, salt, granulated garlic, and pepper in a large bowl. If mixture is too soft or wet, place in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up before rolling. Shape into 24 meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake meatballs in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the center and browned on the outside, about 20 minutes. An instant read thermometer inserted into the center of meatballs should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
4. Meanwhile, prepare apple butter bourbon glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together apple butter, bourbon, soy sauce, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and stir frequently until the sauce is smooth and just thickened, 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Remove meatballs from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour glaze over meatballs and gently toss to coat evenly. Serve warm.