1-Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

2-In a large bowl, gently combine the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing just enough to blend without overworking the mixture.

3-Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 30 in total, and arrange them on the baking sheet for easy baking.

4-Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked through, providing a juicy interior with a nice exterior crunch.

5-While the meatballs bake, mix blueberry preserves, bourbon, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan; simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, enhancing the bourbon sauce flavor.

6-Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce, then simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to coat them thoroughly and let the flavors meld into a delicious party meatballs treat.

7-Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh thyme or orange zest, for a festive presentation that makes these blueberry bourbon meatballs for holiday gatherings unforgettable.