Henny BBQ Meatball Recipe

Henny BBQ Meatballs: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Elevate Your Meatball Game with a Splash of Henny

Meatballs are a beloved comfort food enjoyed around the world, and there’s no shortage of delicious ways to prepare them. If you’re looking to add a unique twist to this classic dish, consider the Henny BBQ Meatballs. These succulent meatballs are bathed in a homemade barbecue sauce that features a delightful splash of Hennessy cognac. The result? A sweet, savory, and slightly boozy flavor explosion that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply satisfying your meatball cravings. Let’s dive into this recipe and discover the magic of Henny BBQ Meatballs.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or a blend of beef and pork)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or olive oil (for pan-frying)

For the Henny BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Hennessy cognac (or your preferred brandy)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.

2. Pan-Fry the Meatballs:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook them until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess grease.

3. Make the Henny BBQ Sauce:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Hennessy cognac, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Stir the sauce mixture well and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens and develops a rich, flavorful consistency. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.

4. Coat the Meatballs:

  • Pour the prepared Henny BBQ sauce over the cooked meatballs, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to make sure they’re well covered.

5. Heat and Serve:

  • Return the skillet to the stove over low heat and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Once heated through, your Henny BBQ Meatballs are ready to serve.

6. Garnish and Enjoy:

  • If desired, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the meatballs for a touch of freshness and color.

7. Serve and Savor:

  • These Henny BBQ Meatballs are best enjoyed hot as an appetizer, a party snack, or even served with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread as a hearty main dish.

Tips and Variations:

Customizing Your Henny BBQ Meatballs

Tips:

  • To ensure your meatballs are evenly sized, consider using a cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop for shaping.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs. They should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Variations:

  • If you don’t have Hennessy cognac on hand, you can substitute it with another brandy or bourbon of your choice.
  • Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the BBQ sauce to your liking by altering the amount of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar.

Customization:

  • These Henny BBQ Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Experiment with different ground meats like pork, chicken, or turkey to create unique flavor profiles.

Storage:

  • Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stove for a quick and delicious meal.

Cook’s Note:

  • The Henny BBQ Meatballs bring together the flavors of a classic barbecue sauce with the elegance of cognac. Whether you’re serving them at a party or for a weeknight dinner, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your loved ones, pour a glass of your favorite beverage, and enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and slightly boozy flavors!