Apple Butter Meatballs

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

By France Cevallos
Published on September 20, 2024
overhead view of glazed meatballs on parchment-lined tray
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Rest Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
4
Yield:
24 meatballs
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

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.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

500 Calories
24g Fat
30g Carbs
34g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 500
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g 30%
Saturated Fat 9g 44%
Cholesterol 151mg 50%
Sodium 1188mg 52%
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 20g
Protein 34g 68%
Vitamin C 1mg 2%
Calcium 89mg 7%
Iron 3mg 18%
Potassium 592mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.