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 served these meatballs at a family gathering and everyone asked for the recipe afterwards
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Mix Ingredients:
- 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 Meatballs:
- Bake for 18 to 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 to 4 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Toss 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.
Pin These meatballs always bring everyone together at family parties, sparking conversations and smiles
Variations
Try adding a pinch of ground ginger to the glaze for extra flavor or use different jams for new taste experiences
Serving Suggestions
Perfect served warm with cocktail picks alongside a light red wine such as Pinot Noir
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage
Pin These meatballs are a delightful appetizer that is quick to prepare and sure to impress any crowd
Recipe Questions
- → What cut of meat is best for these meatballs?
Ground beef with moderate fat content is ideal to keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful.
- → Can the cherry glaze be made ahead of time?
Yes, the cherry glaze can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before coating the meatballs.
- → How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?
Mix ingredients gently and avoid overbaking; the glaze also helps retain moisture and adds flavor.
- → Are there any variations to the cherry glaze?
You can substitute cherry preserves with grape jelly or add ground ginger for a unique twist.
- → What are good serving suggestions for these meatballs?
They pair wonderfully with light red wines like Pinot Noir and are perfect served warm with cocktail picks.