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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
