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Flavorful Smoked Turkey Meatballs Recipe with Easy Bourbon BBQ Glaze

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Smoky, tender turkey meatballs with a tangy-sweet bourbon BBQ glaze, perfect for backyard cookouts or quick dinners. This recipe combines smoking technique with a luscious glaze for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (preferably dark meat for juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs using a small ice cream scoop or hands. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
  3. Preheat smoker to 225°F. Add wood chips or chunks (hickory or applewood recommended). If using a grill, set up for indirect heat.
  4. Place meatballs on smoker rack or indirect grill side. Smoke until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 45-50 minutes.
  5. While meatballs smoke, combine ketchup, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring often, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
  6. Brush smoked meatballs generously with bourbon BBQ glaze. Return to smoker or grill for another 5-7 minutes to let glaze set and become sticky.
  7. Remove meatballs, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve warm with extra glaze on the side.

Notes

Use dark meat turkey and add milk and panko to keep meatballs juicy. Maintain smoker temperature at 225°F for tender meatballs. Use a thermometer to ensure internal temp reaches 165°F. Simmer glaze slowly to avoid burning. Let meatballs rest before serving. Spritz with apple juice during smoking to keep moist. Can bake and broil if no smoker is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked turkey meatballs, bourbon BBQ glaze, backyard cookout, smoky meatballs, easy meatball recipe, bourbon glaze, smoked meatballs

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/flavorful-smoked-turkey-meatballs-recipe-with-easy-bourbon-bbq-glaze/