Irresistible Cocktail Meatballs: A Party Favorite Recipe

Cocktail meatballs are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them an irresistible bite-sized treat. These little gems burst with flavor, leaving you craving more after just one.

Picture this: a bustling holiday party, laughter ringing through the air, and the unmistakable aroma of cocktail meatballs wafting from the kitchen. It’s a scene that brings back fond memories of cozy gatherings and delicious bites shared among friends.

I remember the first time I made these cocktail meatballs for a game night; they disappeared faster than I could keep up with my guests’ appetites.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for juicy meatballs that won’t be overly greasy.

• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.

• Eggs: They act as a binder, helping to keep your meatballs together while cooking.

• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have for that robust flavor kick everyone loves in meatballs.

• Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for a delightful glaze.

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a sweet heat that elevates the dish to new heights.

• Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce brings umami depth to the flavor mix.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepping the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing to keep them tender.

Forming the Meatballs: With clean hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet to catch drips and make cleanup easier.

Baking the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. You want them golden brown but not dry!

Making the Glaze: While they bake, combine barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until warmed through and bubbly.

Tossing it All Together: Once baked, remove meatballs from the oven and transfer them into the saucepan with your glaze. Gently toss to coat each meatball evenly in that delicious sauce.

Serving Time!: Serve your cocktail meatballs warm on toothpicks or skewers for easy eating. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy; it’s all about those presentation points!

Enjoy every savory bite of these crowd-pleasing cocktail meatballs as you regale friends with tales of culinary triumph (or disaster).

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the meatball ingredients thoroughly, then bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes. This method promotes even cooking and keeps them juicy without frying.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add spices like smoked paprika for a unique twist. Experiment with different sauces like BBQ or sweet and sour to find your favorite.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cocktail meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warm, about 10 minutes, to maintain their texture.

Sharing my first experience with cocktail meatballs brought family together for a fun game night, and I learned how quickly they disappear when friends are around.

FAQ

What can I serve with cocktail meatballs?

Cocktail meatballs pair well with toothpicks, dipping sauces, or even sliders for a fun twist.

Can I make cocktail meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.

How do I make cocktail meatballs spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to your mixture for an extra kick in flavor.

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Cocktail Meatballs

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Cocktail meatballs are a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, making them a crowd-favorite for any gathering. These bite-sized treats are coated in a glossy glaze that adds to their visual appeal, ensuring they stand out on any platter. Perfect for parties or casual get-togethers, these meatballs are easy to prepare and will leave your guests coming back for more.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 24 meatballs (6 servings) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; mix until just combined.
2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for about 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by combining barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
5. Toss the baked meatballs in the glaze and serve warm with toothpicks.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs (114g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 60mg