Pin It 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 is a favorite for gathering with friends and family, always a hit at parties!
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.
Pin It This recipe always brings smiles and memories around our family table.
Notes
Add a pinch of ground ginger to the glaze for extra flavor. Pairs well with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir.
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). If using store-bought cherry preserves or ketchup double-check for possible allergens such as nuts or gluten.
Pin It This cherry glazed meatballs recipe is sure to become a classic favorite in your home.
Questions About This Recipe
- → What kind of meat is used for the meatballs?
Ground beef is used for moist, flavorful meatballs with a rich texture.
- → Can I substitute the cherry preserves?
Yes, grape jelly or other fruit preserves can be used for a different fruity twist.
- → How long should the meatballs be baked?
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
- → What gives the glaze its tangy flavor?
The combination of apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard adds a balanced tanginess to the cherry glaze.
- → Are these suitable for parties or gatherings?
Absolutely, their bite-sized nature and flavorful glaze make them ideal as crowd-pleasing appetizers.