Cocktail Meatballs

Cocktail Meatballs are a beloved party appetizer known for their sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor. Whether served at holiday gatherings, game day spreads, or family get-togethers, these bite-sized meatballs are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Cooked in a flavorful sauce and served warm, they’re the kind of crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare and easy to serve
• Perfect for parties, potlucks, and holidays
• Sweet and tangy sauce that everyone loves
• Can be made ahead or kept warm in a slow cooker
• Great with homemade or store-bought meatballs

Ingredients

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

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup grape jelly
• 1 cup chili sauce (such as Heinz)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for extra tang)

Directions

this recipe

1. Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, salt, and pepper. Form into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch each).
2. Bake or Brown:
   • Bake: Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.
   • Pan-fry: Brown meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, turning until all sides are browned and cooked through.
3. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan or slow cooker, combine grape jelly, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Stir and heat until the sauce is smooth and bubbling.
4. Simmer Meatballs: Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer on low for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If using a slow cooker, keep on the “low” or “warm” setting while serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8 as an appetizer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use Frozen Meatballs: Save time by using fully cooked frozen meatballs. Heat them directly in the sauce until warmed through.
• Change the Sauce: Try barbecue sauce and apricot jam for a smoky-sweet variation.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Use Turkey or Pork: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or pork for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled meatballs and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between.

FAQs

Can I make cocktail meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully cook the meatballs and refrigerate or freeze them. Reheat in the sauce before serving.

Can I use a slow cooker for cocktail meatballs?

Absolutely. After cooking, transfer meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker and keep on warm during your event.

What is the best type of chili sauce to use?

A classic bottled chili sauce like Heinz works great for this recipe, balancing sweet and tangy flavors.

Can I substitute the grape jelly?

Yes, use cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, or even orange marmalade for a twist.

Are cocktail meatballs spicy?

Not typically, but you can make them spicy by adding hot sauce or crushed red pepper to the sauce.

Do I need to brown the meatballs first?

Browning adds flavor, but you can skip it if baking or using pre-cooked meatballs.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe easily scales up for larger groups—just be sure to use a big enough pan or slow cooker.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and confirm that your sauces are gluten-free.

How long can they sit in the slow cooker?

They can be kept on the “warm” setting for up to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

What can I serve with cocktail meatballs?

Serve them with toothpicks for easy appetizers or alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or slider buns for a meal.

Conclusion

Cocktail Meatballs are the ultimate appetizer—easy to make, endlessly versatile, and always a hit at parties. With their irresistible sweet-and-savory sauce and tender bite, they’re guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear from your table. Keep a batch ready in your slow cooker, and you’ll always be party-prepared.

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