If you’re looking for an easy appetizer, these Bacon Wrapped Meatballs are always a crowd favorite. They’re made with just a few simple ingredients—meatballs, bacon, and BBQ sauce—making them the perfect finger food ready in no time!

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Whether you’re hosting a party, planning for game day, or just want a classic dinner appetizer for the family, these bite-sized snacks are always a great option.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe

30 frozen meatballs
10 slices bacon
⅓ cup BBQ sauce
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step by Step Guide

1. Preheat that oven to 425°F.

2. Slice the bacon into thirds. You’ll wrap one piece around each meatball. No need to secure with a toothpick just yet—just place them seam-side down on the rack so they stay put.

3. Bake for 15 minutes.

4. Brush with BBQ sauce. Take them out, grab your pastry brush, and slather that sauce on top.

5. Bake for another 10 minutes.

6. Stick a toothpick in each one (perfect for serving!) and sprinkle on some chopped parsley.

Serve and Enjoy!

These meatballs are perfect on their own or served with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. They also pair well with coleslaw, grilled veggies, or a simple salad.

And there you have it! These little bites make the perfect party appetizer—and kids will love them too. With minimal ingredients, quick prep, and maximum flavor, they’re also super fun for family movie nights or a dinner with a twist.

Important Recipe Notes:

For the juiciest meatballs, use a blend of ground beef and pork. Pork adds moisture and flavor, but if you prefer all beef or turkey, those work too—just keep in mind turkey might be a bit drier, so adding a little extra binding (like an extra egg or breadcrumbs) could help.
Use thick-cut bacon for a crispier texture and better coverage. If you prefer a smoky flavor, go for a hickory-smoked bacon for extra depth in the taste.
Make sure the bacon is wrapped snugly around each meatball, but not too tightly. This allows the fat to render as it cooks, keeping the meatball juicy and flavorful. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed.
Choose a thick, sticky BBQ sauce that will coat the meatballs well and caramelize as they cook. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce, but a sweeter BBQ sauce will pair perfectly with the savory bacon.
Bake the meatballs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This will allow the bacon to crisp up evenly, and the fat will drain off, leaving your meatballs less greasy.
Cooking Temperature: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. You want the internal temperature of the meatballs to reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
Glaze Application: Brush the BBQ sauce on the meatballs during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning. You can also brush the meatballs twice, once at the 10-minute mark, then again just before serving.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the meatballs and wrap them in bacon a day ahead, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add the BBQ sauce when baking!
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results to maintain the crispy bacon.

Ingredients

30 frozen meatballs
10 slices bacon
⅓ cup BBQ sauce
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat that oven to 425°F.
Slice the bacon into thirds. You’ll wrap one piece around each meatball. No need to secure with a toothpick just yet—just place them seam-side down on the rack so they stay put.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Brush with BBQ sauce. Take them out, grab your pastry brush, and slather that sauce on top.
Bake for another 10 minutes.
Stick a toothpick in each one (perfect for serving!) and sprinkle on some chopped parsley.

Author: carlycampbell