Pin 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.
I first made these for my family’s holiday party, and they disappeared faster than any other dish. The cherry glaze was a hit even with picky eaters.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb)
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Milk: 1/4 cup
- Onion: 1/4 cup finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Cherry preserves or cherry jam: 1 cup
- Ketchup: 1/4 cup
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until just combined.
- Shape Meatballs:
- With damp hands, shape mixture into 24 small meatballs. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs:
- Bake 18 to 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Make Cherry Glaze:
- While meatballs bake, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherry preserves, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer 3 to 4 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Toss Meatballs:
- Transfer meatballs to a bowl and pour glaze over. Toss gently to coat.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with cocktail picks.
Pin The kids love helping roll the meatballs and always argue over who gets the last one. It's a staple at our family potlucks.
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). Double-check labels for allergens like nuts or gluten, especially in preserves and ketchup.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (3 meatballs): 160 calories, 7 g fat, 16 g carbohydrates, 9 g protein
Pin Serve your cherry-glazed meatballs fresh out of the oven for maximum flavor. They're sure to be the highlight of any gathering.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative, providing a lighter texture while retaining moisture when baked.
- → How do I achieve the perfect glaze consistency?
Simmer the cherry preserves with vinegar, ketchup, and mustard until slightly thickened to coat the meatballs evenly without dripping.
- → Are these meatballs suitable for freezing?
You can freeze the baked meatballs before glazing. Thaw and reheat gently before adding the glaze for best taste.
- → What can I serve alongside these meatballs?
They pair nicely with light red wines like Pinot Noir and simple sides such as crisp salads or roasted vegetables.
- → Can I adjust the spice level of the glaze?
Yes, add or omit crushed red pepper flakes in the glaze to suit your preferred heat intensity.