Cocktail Meatballs: A Perfect Party Appetizer

Cocktail meatballs are the ultimate party appetizer, combining savory, tender meatballs with a tangy-sweet sauce that makes them irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a big event or looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing snack, these meatballs are sure to be the highlight of any gathering. Easy to make and packed with flavor, Cocktail Meatballs are a classic favorite that never goes out of style.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a basic recipe for Cocktail Meatballs, share advanced techniques for perfecting your dish, discuss the best ways to store and maintain the meatballs, provide dietary adaptations, and answer common questions. Let’s dive in!

For additional tips on appetizers, check out these helpful resources:

• How to Make Perfect Meatballs
• What to Serve with Cocktail Meatballs

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Ingredients

To make these Cocktail Meatballs, gather the following ingredients:

Cocktail Meatballs Recipe: Sweet and Savory Meatballs with Tangy Sauce

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 30-35 meatballs (depending on size) 1x

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Description

These Cocktail Meatballs are a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors, featuring juicy meatballs paired with a tangy, sweet sauce. Ideal as an appetizer for parties or gatherings, these tender meatballs are easy to make and always a crowd favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup 2% milk
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pound ground beef

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meatballs:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the lightly beaten egg, bread crumbs, 2% milk, chopped onion, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and ground beef. Mix everything together until fully combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Bake the meatballs:
   Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.

3. Prepare the sauce:
   While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, chopped onion, sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

4. Combine the meatballs with the sauce:
   Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and place them into the saucepan with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes to soak up the flavors.

5. Serve:
   Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and serve hot. Enjoy with toothpicks for easy dipping or as part of a larger spread.

Notes

• For a sweeter sauce, you can increase the sugar to 1/2 cup.
• You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef.
• For added flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
• These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the sauce before serving.
• If you prefer a smooth sauce, you can blend the sauce ingredients together before simmering.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2-3 meatballs
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Cocktail Meatballs Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg, bread crumbs, milk, chopped onion, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the ground beef and mix until everything is evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
2. Form the Meatballs:
   Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This recipe should yield about 20-24 meatballs.
3. Bake the Meatballs:
   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
4. Make the Sauce:
   While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, chopped onion, sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it’s heated through and slightly thickened.
5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
   Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve your Cocktail Meatballs hot, either directly from the saucepan or transferred to a serving dish with toothpicks for easy serving.

Advanced Techniques

1. Add Extra Flavor to the Sauce

While the classic ketchup-based sauce is already delicious, you can elevate it by adding additional ingredients like:

• Garlic: Sauté some minced garlic in the saucepan before adding the rest of the sauce ingredients for a depth of flavor.
• Hot Sauce or Chili Flakes: For a spicy kick, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce mixture.
• Fresh Herbs: Finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add a fresh twist to the sauce and meatballs.

2. Slow Cooker Option

For an easy party setup, you can prepare the Cocktail Meatballs in a slow cooker:

• After baking the meatballs, place them in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
• Set the slow cooker to low and let them cook for 2-3 hours to ensure the meatballs are tender and have absorbed all the flavors of the sauce.

3. Experiment with Different Meats

While ground beef is the traditional choice, you can swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for different textures and flavors. Mixing meats, such as ground beef and pork, can create a balance of tenderness and flavor.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Cocktail Meatballs

Cocktail Meatballs are great for leftovers and can be stored for later enjoyment:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: If you have extra meatballs, they freeze wonderfully! Freeze the meatballs without sauce first to avoid them getting soggy. Once frozen, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through, then add the sauce and warm on the stovetop.

Maintaining the Flavor

To keep the flavor fresh when reheating, consider adding a little extra Worcestershire sauce or a splash of vinegar to the sauce before heating. This will bring back the tangy kick and keep your meatballs tasting fresh.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you have specific dietary requirements, there are several ways to modify the Cocktail Meatballs recipe to fit your needs:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs or substitute them with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. Be sure to check the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup for gluten if necessary.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the 2% milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk. Ensure that the bread crumbs and Worcestershire sauce are dairy-free as well.
• Low-Carb/Keto: For a low-carb version, substitute the bread crumbs with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a sugar substitute in the sauce (like erythritol or stevia).
• Paleo: To make this dish Paleo-friendly, replace the breadcrumbs with almond meal and opt for a sugar-free ketchup (or make your own). Ensure the Worcestershire sauce is free of gluten and sugar.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make Cocktail Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and even cook them in advance. Once baked, allow them to cool, then store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat them in the sauce on the stovetop.

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a combination of different meats can be used in place of ground beef. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes! Add hot sauce, chili flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some extra heat. Adjust the amount based on your preference.

How can I keep the meatballs warm for a party?

You can keep the Cocktail Meatballs warm in a slow cooker set on low. This is an excellent option for serving at parties as it allows guests to help themselves throughout the event.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Cocktail Meatballs are a classic party dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of juicy meatballs and tangy-sweet sauce creates a perfect balance that will keep your guests coming back for more. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a savory snack, these meatballs are sure to impress.

With options for storage, freezing, and dietary modifications, this recipe is versatile and perfect for any gathering. Give it a try the next time you need an appetizer that’s both delicious and easy to prepare—your guests will thank you!