Cocktail Meatballs

Have you ever found yourself scrambling for the perfect appetizer just hours before guests arrive? We’ve all been there. That moment of panic when you need something impressive yet easy to prepare. Look no further than these delicious Cocktail Meatballs! These bite-sized treasures are the ultimate crowd-pleaser – juicy, flavorful, and versatile enough to fit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated cocktail party or a casual game day gathering, these savory morsels will disappear from your serving platter faster than you can say “seconds, please!” The tantalizing aroma of these Cocktail Meatballs simmering in their rich, glossy sauce will have your guests hovering around the kitchen, and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors will keep them coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love These Cocktail Meatballs

• ✅ These best cocktail meatballs for parties require minimal prep work but deliver maximum flavor
• ✅ Perfect make-ahead option – these easy cocktail meatballs with grape jelly taste even better the next day
• ✅ The cocktail meatballs slow cooker recipe means you can set it and forget it while preparing other dishes
• ✅ Incredibly versatile – enjoy them as appetizers or serve over rice for a complete meal
• ✅ These homemade cocktail meatballs appetizer ideas will impress guests without breaking the bank
• ✅ You can easily adapt this recipe to create gluten-free cocktail meatballs for events
• ✅ The perfect balance of sweet and savory makes these cocktail meatballs with barbecue sauce irresistible

Ingredients :

• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¼ cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF option)
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pound ground beef (you can substitute with turkey for a lighter option)

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional additions: ¼ cup grape jelly for easy cocktail meatballs with grape jelly or 2 tablespoons sriracha for spicy cocktail meatballs with sriracha

How to Make Cocktail Meatballs – Step by Step

Step 1:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg, bread crumbs, and milk.
2. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes to allow the bread crumbs to absorb the liquid.
3. Add the chopped onion, salt, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl.
4. Add the ground beef and mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender meatballs.

Step 2:

1. Shape the meat mixture into 1-inch balls. You should get approximately 24-30 meatballs.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil.
3. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total. They don’t need to be fully cooked through.
4. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.

Step 3:

1. In a large saucepan or slow cooker, combine all sauce ingredients: ketchup, onion, sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper.
2. For cocktail meatballs with grape jelly, add ¼ cup grape jelly to the sauce mixture.
3. For spicy cocktail meatballs with sriracha, add 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce.
4. For cocktail meatballs with pineapple and teriyaki, add ¼ cup pineapple juice and 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce.
5. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4:

1. Add the browned meatballs to the sauce.
2. For stovetop cooking: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.
3. For cocktail meatballs slow cooker recipe: Transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
4. For cocktail meatballs using frozen meatballs: Add frozen meatballs directly to the sauce and cook until heated through (about 20-25 minutes on stovetop or 2-3 hours on low in the slow cooker).

Pro Tips for Making

• The secret to tender Cocktail Meatballs is not overmixing the meat. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• For extra flavor, toast your breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding them to the meat mixture.
• If you’re making Swedish-style cocktail meatballs for gatherings, add ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg and allspice to the meat mixture.
• For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the meatballs up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Use a small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop to ensure uniform-sized meatballs that will cook evenly.
• For leaner Cocktail Meatballs, use a mixture of half ground beef and half ground turkey.
• If you’re short on time, using cocktail meatballs using frozen meatballs is a perfectly acceptable shortcut!

Best Ways to Serve 

Cocktail Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways:

1. As an appetizer: Serve in a chafing dish with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
2. As a main dish: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a satisfying meal.
3. In a sandwich: Place a few meatballs in a split roll with some of the sauce for a delicious meatball sub.
4. With complementary sides: Pair with our Creamy Coleslaw or Garlic Bread for a complete meal.

For an impressive presentation, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top, and serve your homemade cocktail meatballs appetizer ideas in a decorative serving dish with a ladle and small plates.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 250 kcal per serving (approximately 5 meatballs)
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 480mg

Note: These values are approximate and based on using 80% lean ground beef. For lower-calorie Cocktail Meatballs, use leaner ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.

Storage & Leftovers

Cocktail Meatballs taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: These Cocktail Meatballs freeze exceptionally well! Place cooled meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, thaw frozen meatballs in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cocktail Meatballs

What are cocktail meatballs made of?

Cocktail Meatballs typically consist of ground meat (usually beef, pork, or a combination), breadcrumbs, eggs, and flavorings like onions and seasonings. They’re then simmered in a flavorful sauce, which can range from tangy barbecue to sweet and sour combinations with ingredients like grape jelly or cranberry sauce.

How do you cook for cocktail meatballs?

You can cook Cocktail Meatballs in several ways: brown them in a skillet then simmer in sauce, bake them in the oven, or use a slow cooker. For the slow cooker method, you can either brown the meatballs first or place them raw directly into the sauce, though browning adds more flavor and better texture.

Can you prepare for Cocktail Meatballsin advance?

Yes! Cocktail Meatballs are perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can make and shape the raw meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them, or fully cook the meatballs and sauce up to 2 days ahead, then reheat when needed. They actually taste better after the flavors have had time to develop.

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