Cherry glazed mini meatballs

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 has become a favorite at all our gatherings, always disappearing fast and earning compliments for its irresistible flavor combination.

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

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until just combined do not overwork.

Step 3:

With damp hands, shape the mixture into 24 small meatballs (about 1 heaping tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4:

Bake for 18 20 minutes or until meatballs are browned and cooked through.

Step 5:

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.

Step 6:

Transfer baked meatballs to a large bowl. Pour the hot cherry glaze over and toss gently to coat.

Step 7:

Serve warm, with cocktail picks if desired.

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My family always looks forward to these meatballs during holiday parties, and they remind me of joyful times spent together around the table.

Notes

Substitute cherry preserves with grape jelly for a different twist Add a pinch of ground ginger to the glaze for extra flavor Pairs well with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories 160 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 16 g Protein 9 g (per serving, 3 meatballs)

Save

Serve these meatballs warm for the best flavor and enjoy as an appetizer or party snack.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter option while maintaining texture and flavor.

→ What gives the glaze its tangy sweetness?

The glaze combines cherry preserves, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to balance sweet and tangy flavors.

→ How do I prevent meatballs from drying out?

Mix gently and avoid overworking the meat mixture; baking rather than frying helps keep them juicy.

→ Can I add heat to the glaze?

Yes, crushed red pepper flakes can be added to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick.

→ What side dishes work well with these meatballs?

Light salads, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread complement the sweet and savory profile nicely.