Save to Pinterest Juicy mini meatballs made from budget-friendly ground beef, baked and tossed in a tangy, sweet cherry glaze. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties or potlucks.
This recipe was an instant hit at my last potluck; everyone asked for seconds and the leftovers disappeared quickly.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs: 500 g (1 lb) ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- For the Cherry Glaze: 1 cup cherry preserves or cherry jam, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Mix Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until just combined do not overwork.
- Shape Meatballs:
- With damp hands, shape the mixture into 24 small meatballs (about 1 heaping tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18 20 minutes or until meatballs are browned and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze:
- While meatballs bake, prepare the glaze In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherry preserves, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3 4 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat Meatballs:
- Transfer baked meatballs to a large bowl. Pour the hot cherry glaze over and toss gently to coat.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, with cocktail picks if desired.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around these meatballs during game nights, making every moment special and delicious.
Notes
Substitute cherry preserves with grape jelly for a different twist For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef Add a pinch of ground ginger to the glaze for extra flavor Pairs well with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl Baking sheet Parchment paper or foil Saucepan Mixing spoon Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs Wheat (breadcrumbs) Soy (soy sauce) If using store-bought cherry preserves or ketchup, double-check for possible allergens such as nuts or gluten
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these flavorful cherry-glazed meatballs at your next gathering for an easy yet impressive appetizer.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of meat is best for these meatballs?
Ground beef is recommended for juicy, flavorful meatballs, but ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter option.
- → Can I make the cherry glaze spicier?
Yes, adding more crushed red pepper flakes increases the heat without overpowering the balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- → How can I ensure the meatballs stay tender?
Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat mixture to maintain tenderness after baking.
- → Is it necessary to bake the meatballs?
Baking helps cook meatballs evenly and keeps them juicy without excess oil that frying may add.
- → What can I serve alongside these glazed meatballs?
They pair well with light red wines like Pinot Noir and can be served with toothpicks for easy appetizer presentation.