BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs Recipe (Moink balls) 🍖🔥

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If you’re looking for the perfect backyard appetizer, these BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs are it. Smoky, savory, sticky, sweet, and loaded with cheesy goodness — they hit every single craving. These little bites are ridiculously easy to make, cook fast, and disappear even faster.

Serve them for game day, parties, tailgates, or just because you’re hungry and want something awesome. Let’s fire it up. 👇

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

  • 🥓 Bacon wrap keeps the meatballs juicy and adds smoky flavor

  • 🔥 Quick smoke gives perfect color without drying out

  • 🧀 Cheese center melts into every bite

  • 🍯 BBQ glaze caramelizes beautifully

  • 😎 Simple to prep, always a hit for crowdsWhy You’ll Love This Recipe

📋 Recipe Snapshot

Yield: 12–18 meatballs 🍽️
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60–90 minutes 🔥
Total Time: ~1.5 hours ⏱️

🧾 Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1–1.5 lbs ground beef

  • 1 egg

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire

  • 1 tbsp BBQ rub

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp pepper

  • Optional: small cubes of cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella)

Wrap & Glaze

  • 12–18 slices thin-cut bacon

  • BBQ sauce (your favorite)

  • Brown sugar (optional, for sweeter glaze)Instructions

🔥 How to Make BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

1️⃣ Mix the Meatballs

Combine:

  • ground beef

  • egg

  • breadcrumbs

  • Worcestershire

  • BBQ rub

  • garlic + onion powder

  • salt + pepper

Mix gently to avoid toughness.

Add a cheese cube in the center of each ball for an extra melty surprise.

2️⃣ Wrap in Bacon

  • Cut bacon slices in half if needed

  • Wrap one slice around each meatball

  • Secure with toothpick if bacon seems loose

3️⃣ Smoke the Meatballs

  • Preheat smoker to 250°F

  • Use apple, cherry, or pecan wood

  • Place meatballs on a wire rack or directly on grates

  • Smoke for 45–60 minutes until bacon is mostly cooked

4️⃣ Glaze

Brush with BBQ sauce (and sprinkle brown sugar if desired).
Smoke another 15–20 minutes until bacon is tacky and caramelized.

Target temp: 160–165°F internal.

5️⃣ Serve

Let cool a few minutes, then serve warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

🔧 Pro Tips

  • Use thin-cut bacon — thick bacon doesn’t crisp in time

  • Tuck bacon ends under the meatball to prevent unraveling

  • Add cheese inside for extra ooze

  • Don’t glaze too early or sauce will burn

  • Use a wire rack for even smoke circulation

🌳 Best Woods for Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

  • 🍒 Cherry — perfect color and sweetness

  • 🍏 Apple — light smoke, great with bacon

  • 🌰 Pecan — rich and buttery

  • ⭐ Hickory works, but use sparingly (can overpower small bites)

🔄 Variations to Try

Spicy Version - Add jalapeño + cayenne + hot BBQ sauce.

Bourbon Glaze - Mix BBQ sauce + bourbon + brown sugar.

Hawaiian Style - Add pineapple juice to the glaze and use teriyaki sauce.

Cheese Bomb Meatballs - Stuff with mozzarella balls or pepper jack cubes.

Sweet BBQ Version - Coat bacon in brown sugar before smoking.

FAQ

Q: Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely — homemade is even better! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before wrapping in bacon.

Q: What if I don’t have a smoker?
A: Bake at 325°F (163°C) for the same time, then finish under the broiler for crispy bacon.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes — prep and wrap them ahead, refrigerate, then cook as directed when ready to serve.

Q: How do I keep the bacon from unwrapping?
A: Toothpicks are your best friend. Use one or two per meatball if needed.

Q: What BBQ sauce works best?
A: A sweet and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with smoky bacon — or try the Backyard Sweet & Spicy Sauce for an extra kick.