There’s just something irresistible about Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs! Each bite delivers the perfect blend of smoky bacon, sweet caramelized sugar, tangy barbecue sauce, and hearty meatball goodness — making them the star of any gathering or game day feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: These meatballs instantly disappear at parties, potlucks, and family get-togethers because they pack the ultimate flavor punch.
- Incredibly Easy: You only need a few basic ingredients and your trusty slow cooker to turn out a batch of Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs with virtually no fuss.
- Sweet, Smoky, & Savory: The brown sugar and BBQ sauce caramelize over crisp bacon for a can’t-miss trifecta of flavors in every bite.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Whip these up early and let your slow cooker do the work — perfect for stress-free entertaining!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of pantry favorites come together to make these Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs truly show-stopping, with each ingredient playing a special role for that sticky, smoky, sweet-and-savory payoff.
- Bacon (16 oz): The star ingredient! Use classic-cut bacon so it crisps beautifully and wraps easily around each meatball without overpowering the bite.
- Frozen Homestyle Meatballs (16 oz, thawed): Store-bought meatballs make prep a breeze, and their mild flavor soaks up all those layered seasonings. Thaw completely for the best texture.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings caramel notes and that delightful sticky coating to balance the BBQ sauce and bacon’s saltiness.
- Chili Powder (2 Tbsp): Adds just a touch of warmth and depth, making the sweet-savory balance even more tempting.
- BBQ Sauce (1 cup): Your favorite variety works! It drizzles on for tang and moisture, creating a glaze as everything cooks together.
- Toothpicks: Not just for party snacking — they keep the bacon wrapped snugly while the meatballs cook (and double as built-in serving handles!).
Variations
This playful recipe is just begging for you to make it your own! Whether you’re serving guests with dietary preferences or simply craving a twist, there are plenty of easy ways to riff on Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs.
- Try Spicy BBQ Sauce: Swap in a spicy or chipotle BBQ sauce for extra kick — perfect for heat lovers.
- Turkey or Plant-Based Meatballs: Substitute turkey or vegetarian/vegan meatballs to suit your crowd or lighten it up.
- Pepper Bacon: Use peppered bacon if you want both a smoky and peppery bite — it adds even more contrast to the sweet brown sugar.
- Miniature Bites: Use small cocktail-size meatballs for extra poppable party snacks — everyone loves them!
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Ingredients
Set up your slow cooker and have everything within arm’s reach for easy assembly. Cut each piece of bacon into thirds so they’re just the right size to snugly wrap around each meatball. This ensures every bite is the perfect bacon-to-meatball ratio!
Step 2: Wrap and Secure Each Meatball
Take a thawed meatball and wrap it with a piece of bacon, making sure the ends slightly overlap. Secure with a toothpick pushed all the way through so the bacon stays put while cooking and serving. Repeat until you’ve wrapped every meatball — it goes quickly once you get into the groove!
Step 3: Coat with Brown Sugar & Chili Powder
Mix the brown sugar and chili powder in a shallow bowl or plate, breaking up any clumps. Roll each bacon-wrapped meatball in the mixture, patting gently to help the sugar stick. It’s this step that gives you those irresistible caramelized, sticky edges later on!
Step 4: Layer in the Slow Cooker & Add BBQ Sauce
Crowd the bottom of your slow cooker with your sugary meatballs in a single layer. If you have extras, a gentle second layer is fine — just leave a little breathing room so everything cooks evenly. Drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce all over the top, making sure every meatball gets a glossy coat.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Beautifully Glazed
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for about 2 hours. You’ll know the Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs are done when the bacon is cooked through and beautifully glazed, and the meatballs reach an internal temp of 165°F. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting — your house will smell incredible!
Step 6: Serve Warm & Enjoy
Serve these beauties fresh and warm, with an extra drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Trust me, they disappear fast, so snag one for yourself before sharing!
Pro Tips for Making Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs
- Bacon Thickness Matters: Choose regular-sliced bacon, not thick cut, for the ideal crisp and easy wrap. Thick-cut won’t cook evenly and can overpower the meatball.
- Layer with Care: If stacking meatballs in your slow cooker, stagger them so the bacon isn’t packed too tightly, allowing the sauce to reach every nook (and every bite gets glazed goodness).
- Sugar Adherence Secret: Pat the brown sugar–chili blend on firmly so it clings, creating that signature sticky crust once cooked.
- Prep Ahead for Parties: Assemble and sugar-coat the meatballs the night before, stash them in the fridge, and pop them into the slow cooker when you’re ready to impress!
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs
Garnishes
Brighten up your platter of Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or scallions. The fresh green looks gorgeous against that glossy caramel hue, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds fun texture. Want a pop of heat? A dash of sliced red chili or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce makes it eye-catching and irresistible!
Side Dishes
Serve these meatballs alongside creamy coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, or classic potato salad for a hearty spread. For a lighter vibe, try them with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. And if you’re leaning into the BBQ spirit, some fluffy dinner rolls or cornbread let guests soak up every bit of sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs into the centerpiece on a serving platter by arranging them on skewers for easy passing. Or pile them high in a slow cooker on the buffet with a stack of napkins and extra toothpicks nearby. For a party twist, serve each one in a mini mason jar with a dollop of mashed potatoes or atop a slice of toasted baguette as a two-bite treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftover Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before transferring so you keep the bacon crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze fully cooked meatballs by letting them cool, then placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months for spur-of-the-moment snacks or party apps!
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or until hot and sizzling. For a quick fix, microwave gently in 30-second bursts. Add a splash of BBQ sauce if needed to bring back that saucy shine.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully—just make sure they’re baked or pan-seared first, so they’ll hold together and cook at the same rate as the bacon while in the slow cooker.
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Do I need to precook the bacon?
No precooking is needed. The bacon will render and crisp up as the Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs cook in the slow cooker. Using regular-cut bacon ensures it gets perfectly cooked by the time the meatballs are ready.
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How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking in the slow cooker?
Lightly mist your slow cooker insert with nonstick spray before adding the meatballs. The BBQ sauce and rendered bacon fat will help, but a bit of spray makes clean-up even easier.
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Can I double this recipe for a big party?
Yes! Just make sure not to over-crowd your slow cooker; you might need to cook in batches or use two slow cookers. Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs are a sensation at large gatherings, so doubling (or tripling!) is a great idea.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-friendly appetizer or a fun twist on comfort food, Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs are always a hit. I hope your kitchen is filled with the same happy, hungry anticipation as mine whenever I make these. Grab your slow cooker, and let the sweet and smoky aroma work its magic!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs are a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Juicy meatballs are wrapped in crispy bacon, coated in a brown sugar-chili mixture, and slow-cooked to perfection in tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs:
- 16 oz bacon, cut into thirds
- 16 oz bag frozen homestyle meatballs, thawed
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
Additional:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare: Cut bacon into thirds. Wrap each meatball with a bacon piece, secure with toothpick.
- Coat Meatballs: Mix brown sugar and chili powder. Roll bacon-wrapped meatballs in sugar mixture and place in slow cooker.
- Cook: Drizzle BBQ sauce over meatballs. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for about 2 hours until bacon is cooked through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe serves approximately 8 people.
- For larger gatherings, double the recipe.
- Cook times are approximate and may vary depending on slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
