Sweet Sticky Cocktail Meatballs The CrowdPleasing Party Bite

Sweet & Sticky Cocktail Meatballs: Your Party's New Best Friend

Fancy a bite-sized explosion of flavor? Ever wondered how to make those Cocktail Meatballs that everyone raves about? Well, wonder no more! These little beauties are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory.

Honestly, they’re dangerously addictive.

Why These Meatballs are a Must-Try

These aren't your average, boring meatballs. We're talking about tender Party Appetizer Meatballs swimming in a seriously delicious sauce. They have roots in classic American comfort food, but this recipe gives them a modern twist.

Plus, they are a fantastic alternative to Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe , or the classic Jelly Meatball Recipe .

They're also ridiculously easy to make. We're talking beginner-cook level easy. Prep takes about 50 minutes (that includes chilling), then 30 minutes to cook.

You’ll end up with around 30-40 of these little guys. Enough to feed a small crowd.

The Perks of Meatball Perfection

Beyond being utterly delicious, these Holiday Meatball Appetizer are also surprisingly good for you. They are packed with protein and they’re perfect for any occasion.

Christmas, New Year's or just a casual get-together. What makes them special? They are guaranteed to disappear fast! The perfect balance of flavors.

Imagine that Grape Jelly Chili Sauce .

Ready to dive in? Let’s talk ingredients.

Sweet Sticky Cocktail Meatballs The CrowdPleasing Party Bite Recipe Card

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Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:30-40 meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
• ½ cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (30g) finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) ketchup
• ½ cup (120ml) grape jelly
• ¼ cup (60ml) chili sauce (like Heinz chili sauce)
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined.
• Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
• Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
• While the meatballs are browning, whisk together ketchup, grape jelly, chili sauce, cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
• Pour the sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet or Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley (optional), and plenty of toothpicks!

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:20g

Fiber:0g

Recipe Info

Category:Appetizer

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment For Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

Let's talk ingredients, shall we? Honestly, this Cocktail Meatballs recipe is so straightforward, it's practically foolproof! I remember the first time I made these for a New Year's Eve party, my mate Dave, who burns water trying to make tea, was actually impressed! It's that easy, promise.

Main Ingredients For Holiday Meatball Appetizer

• Ground Beef: You'll need 1 lb (450g) . Go for an 80/20 blend. It's got enough fat to keep things juicy, you know? For quality, look for a good color (bright red).
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Grab ½ cup (60g) . Panko are key for that tender texture.
• Yellow Onion: Chop up ¼ cup (30g) finely. Adds a little savory punch.
• Egg: Just 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Milk: 2 tablespoons of any kind.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon for depth.
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon .
• Onion Powder: ¼ teaspoon .
• Smoked Paprika: ¼ teaspoon . This adds a subtle smokiness and is fantastic in a Jelly Meatball Recipe .
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, obviously.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons , for browning.
• Ketchup: 1 cup (240ml) .
• Grape Jelly: ½ cup (120ml) . THIS is the secret weapon! It creates a Sweet and Sour Meatballs effect.
• Chili Sauce: ¼ cup (60ml) – like Heinz.
• Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons . Adds a nice tang.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon for the sauce.

Seasoning Notes For Party Appetizer Meatballs

Okay, listen up. The magic is in the sauce. Ketchup, Grape Jelly Chili Sauce , cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce work together.

It's a flavour explosion! Don't skimp on the smoked paprika either. It's not overpowering, but it adds a really nice something.

For a bit of a kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to your Crockpot Party Meatballs Grape Jelly .

Equipment Needed For Easy Meatball Recipe

Honestly, you don't need much.

• Large mixing bowl.
• Small mixing bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Baking sheet.
• Large skillet or Dutch oven.
• Toothpicks. You need these for serving your delicious Mini Meatball Appetizers .

Don't have a skillet? A big pot will do. Just make sure it's oven-safe if you plan to bake the meatballs.

So there you have it, the lowdown on what you need to get this done. Now go make some Cocktail Meatballs !

Sweet & Sticky Cocktail Meatballs : The Crowd-Pleasing Party Bite

Honestly, who can resist a good meatball? And these Sweet & Sticky Cocktail Meatballs ? Forget about it! We're talking party perfection.

It's like those Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe you see everyone raving about. Except, way better. This Easy Meatball Recipe is going to be your new go-to.

You know? Like a secret weapon for any gathering.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Getting organised? That's half the battle, innit? First up, the essential mise en place : Measure out all your ingredients.

Chop that onion super fine. Nobody wants big chunks of onion in their Mini Meatball Appetizers ! Honestly, I usually measure things with my heart but if you want the best result ever measure carefully.

For time-saving organisation? Prep the sauce while the meatballs are chilling. Multitasking, darling. Like Crockpot Party Meatballs Grape Jelly can be.

Speaking of chilling, a little reminder: Always wash your hands after handling raw meat! Safety first, my friends.

Step-by-Step: Meatball Magic

Right, let's get cooking.

1. Mix together that lovely ground beef, panko, onion, egg, milk, Worcester sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Don't overmix!
2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs . I always use a cookie scoop.
3. Chill those little beauties for at least 30 minutes on a lined baking sheet.
4. Brown the meatballs in olive oil over medium-high heat .
5. Whisk together ketchup, grape jelly, chilli sauce, cider vinegar, and Worcester sauce. This is the Grape Jelly Chili Sauce that will turn your meatballs into a masterpiece.
6. Pour the sauce over the browned meatballs.
7. Simmer for 20- 25 minutes on low heat. Make sure the inside hits 165° F ( 74° C) .
8. Serve 'em hot!

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Meatballs

Want to take these babies to the next level? Here's a secret. Browning the meatballs really builds flavour. Trust me.

Also, taste the sauce! Adjust the sweetness and tang to your liking.

Oh, and a big no-no: overmixing the meatball mixture. It makes them tough. Nobody wants a tough meatball. Want Holiday Meatball Appetizer ? You got it.

Make-ahead option? You can totally make the meatballs and sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. Then, just combine and simmer before serving.

These Cocktail Meatballs are sticky, sweet, savory, and totally addictive. These Party Appetizer Meatballs will be the stars of the show, and you will be the queen of Jelly Meatball Recipe .

Go on, give them a try! And tell me what you think.

Recipe Notes for the Best Cocktail Meatballs

So, you're ready to whip up some Cocktail Meatballs , eh? Ace! Before you get cracking, let’s chat about a few things to make sure they’re absolutely banging.

Honestly, a few tweaks can make all the difference.

Serving Up Some Serious Style

Forget soggy, sad-looking meatballs! Presentation is key. I always like to arrange mine on a nice platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if you're feeling fancy.

Think about it! Toothpicks are essential. Nobody wants sticky fingers at a party. As for sides? Coleslaw is a classic, but honestly, anything goes.

And for drinks? A nice crisp lager is a winner. Or you can make an old fashioned. They always hit the spot.

Keeping 'Em Fresh

Right, so you've made a massive batch of these easy meatball recipe , and there's loads left. No worries. Just pop them in an airtight container and stick 'em in the fridge.

They'll be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, but I prefer to gently warm them in a pan on the hob.

For longer storage, you can freeze them. Let them cool completely first, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.

Reheat them in the oven for the best results.

Cocktail Meatballs Variations and Dietary Twists

Want to mix things up a bit? No problem. For a lighter option, try using ground turkey instead of beef.

It's still super tasty! Need to cater to someone who's gluten-free? Simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones.

Easy peasy. And for a seasonal twist, try swapping out the grape jelly meatballs recipe for apricot jam in the summer for a fruity twist, or cranberry sauce during the holidays.

It will still be amazing.

What's the Damage? (Nutrition Basics)

Okay, let's be real. These mini meatball appetizers aren't exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Each serving (about 5-6 meatballs) clocks in at around 350 calories.

There's a fair bit of sugar in there, mainly from the grape jelly chili sauce , but also a decent amount of protein.

The health benefits really come down to the protein, which helps keep you feeling full. It's the perfect holiday meatball appetizer .

Right, that's it from me. Get in the kitchen and nail these Crockpot party meatballs grape jelly ! I know you can do it! And don't forget to share your pics with me; I love seeing your creations! Happy cooking!