Name: Cocktail Meatballs – The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp oil (for frying or baking); 1 cup grape jelly; 1 cup chili sauce

Why You’ll Love Cocktail Meatballs – The Ultimate Party Appetizer Recipe

This cocktail meatballs recipe combines simple ingredients with straightforward steps to create juicy, flavorful meatballs coated in a glossy sweet‑and‑tangy sauce. They’re easy to make ahead, perfect for entertaining, and versatile enough to suit many flavor variations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:
• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce:
• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or white)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Optional pinch of chili flakes for heat

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape the mixture into 2.5 cm (1 inch) meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve warm with toothpicks or alongside sides of your choice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 cocktail meatballs, suitable as an appetizer for a small party or gathering. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cook time is 20–25 minutes.

Variations

• Classic Sweet and Sour: Use a simple ketchup and brown sugar base for a nostalgic flavor.
• Barbecue Meatballs: Substitute barbecue sauce for the ketchup for a smoky twist.
• Asian‑Style: Add ginger and extra soy sauce to the sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.
• Spicy: Mix chili flakes or hot sauce into the glaze for heat.
• Cranberry Glazed: Blend cranberry sauce with chili sauce for a festive variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with sauce on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating in sauce.

FAQs

What size meatballs should I make for cocktail meatballs?

Aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter; this size is easy to eat as finger food and cooks evenly.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes — if using frozen store‑bought meatballs, heat them in the sauce until fully warmed instead of baking fresh ones.

Can I make these in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs first and then keep them warm in a slow cooker with sauce on low for parties.

Are cocktail meatballs gluten‑free?

To make them gluten‑free, use gluten‑free breadcrumbs or a substitute like almond flour.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, bake the meatballs a day ahead and reheat in sauce before serving.

What’s the best way to serve cocktail meatballs?

Serve hot with toothpicks or over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a more substantial offering.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Yes, reduce the brown sugar or add more vinegar for a tangier sauce.

Can I make them spicy?

Absolutely — add chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a kick.

What drinks pair well with cocktail meatballs?

Sparkling water with citrus, beer, or light red wine such as Merlot can complement the flavors.

Are there vegetarian alternatives?

You can swap ground meat for plant‑based meat alternatives and follow the same steps for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Cocktail meatballs are a delicious and versatile party appetizer that are easy to make and loved by guests. With juicy meatballs and a flavorful sauce, they bring bold taste to any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic sweet and tangy version or experiment with variations, this recipe is sure to be a crowd‑pleaser.