Irresistible BBQ Meatballs with Creamy Cheese Grits

There’s something about a smoky summer BBQ that just speaks to my soul—and these meatballs are the heart of it all. Picture this:

tender, juicy spheres of seasoned meat, enveloped in a sticky-sweet BBQ glaze, nestled on a cloud of creamy cheese grits. (I mean, grits!

) It’s like comfort food and a backyard party decided to join forces.

Steps

Preheat the oven to 375°F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Use your hands to mix until fully combined.
Shape the pork mixture into 16 meatballs, each about the size of a ping pong ball. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
While the meatballs are in the oven, prepare the cheese grits. In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, milk, and garlic powder. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Once boiling, stir in the quick cooking grits and salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits have thickened.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in butter and freshly cracked black pepper. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it is fully melted into the grits.
After the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a bowl. Pour the remaining BBQ sauce over the meatballs and stir to coat. If needed, heat the mixture gently to ensure the sauce is warm.
To serve, place approximately one cup of cheese grits in a bowl. Top with four meatballs and some of the BBQ sauce. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! If pork isn’t your preference, you can swap it out for ground beef or turkey. Opt for ground meat with a slightly higher fat content to maintain the meatballs’ moisture and tenderness.
What BBQ sauce works best with this recipe?
While any BBQ sauce can be used, for this dish, a smoky or honey-flavored BBQ sauce complements the cheddar in the cheese grits nicely. It’s best to avoid sauces with pineapple or teriyaki flavors.
What can I serve alongside BBQ Meatballs with Cheese Grits?
Since this dish is quite rich, consider pairing it with a green vegetable to balance it out. Good options include Jerk Seasoned Collard Greens, Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Vegetarian Mustard Greens, or Braised Red Cabbage.
Are cheese grits difficult to make?
Not at all! Cheese grits are quite simple. They involve cooking quick grits with chicken broth and milk, then stirring in butter, cheese, and seasonings until creamy and delicious.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives to the meatballs in this recipe?
While the recipe focuses on meat-based meatballs, you could try using plant-based ground meat substitutes to create vegetarian-friendly meatballs that work well with the BBQ sauce and cheese grits.

To maintain the moistness and tenderness of your meatballs, consider using ground meat with a slightly higher fat content, especially if you choose to substitute pork with beef or turkey.
Pair this rich and flavorful dish with a side of something green, such as roasted broccoli or jerk seasoned collard greens, to balance its richness.
When selecting a BBQ sauce, opt for smoky or honey-flavored varieties, as they complement the cheddar cheese in the grits well. Avoid pineapple or teriyaki flavors as they might not pair as effectively.
If your BBQ sauce is cold from refrigeration, warm it together with the meatballs in a saucepan on low heat to ensure the sauce is evenly heated before serving.