bourbon glazed pork meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, easy dinner recipes, comfort food, savory meatball recipes

Bourbon Glazed Pork Meatballs & Mash is the ultimate comfort food dish—savory, rich, and irresistibly flavorful. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this recipe brings together tender, juicy pork meatballs coated in a luscious bourbon glaze, paired with creamy mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth. Combining classic comfort flavors with a touch of sophistication, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re entertaining friends, feeding a hungry family, or simply craving a hearty meal, Bourbon Glazed Pork Meatballs & Mash delivers big on taste and presentation. The bourbon glaze adds a slightly sweet, caramelized note that perfectly balances the savory pork, while the smooth mashed potatoes provide the perfect canvas to soak up every drop of flavor.

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Ingredients

For the Pork Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground pork
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Bourbon Glaze

• ½ cup bourbon
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Cracked black pepper
• Extra bourbon glaze drizzle

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside.

Step 3: Make the Bourbon Glaze

5. While the meatballs bake, combine bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Glaze the Meatballs

8. Once meatballs are baked, transfer them to a large skillet over low heat. Pour the bourbon glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to coat evenly. Let them simmer in the glaze for 2–3 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 5: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

9. While meatballs simmer, place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
10. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
11. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, and sour cream. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

12. Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and top with bourbon glazed pork meatballs. Drizzle with extra glaze and sprinkle with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper for garnish. Serve immediately.

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Tips & Tricks

• Meatball Texture: Avoid overmixing the pork mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
• Bourbon Substitute: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, apple cider or grape juice with a splash of vinegar works well.
• Make Ahead: Meatballs can be prepared and frozen before baking; just thaw and bake as directed.
• Extra Creamy Mash: For ultra-creamy potatoes, replace milk with half-and-half and fold in a little cream cheese.
• Glaze Consistency: If glaze is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.

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Variations

• Spicy Bourbon Meatballs: Add ½ tsp red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for heat.
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar or Gruyère for a richer flavor.
• Herb-Infused Meatballs: Add rosemary or thyme to the pork mixture for aromatic depth.
• Mini Meatballs: Make smaller meatballs as appetizers for parties or game-day snacks.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
• Serve with a simple green salad for a lighter, balanced meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs for color and added flavor.

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Fun Facts & Cultural Context

• Bourbon adds a signature smoky sweetness to dishes, commonly used in Southern American cooking.
• Meatballs have been enjoyed worldwide in many variations—this version brings a Southern twist with the bourbon glaze.
• Mashed potatoes have been a comfort food staple for centuries, providing a creamy, soothing base for rich sauces and gravies.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 520
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g