Save 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 they were gone in minutes everyone asked for the recipe
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Make Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl combine ground beef breadcrumbs egg milk onion garlic salt pepper and oregano Mix until just combined do not overwork.
- Form 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 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 4 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat 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.
Save These meatballs always bring my family together especially during holiday parties
Substitutions
You can substitute cherry preserves with grape jelly or use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as an appetizer with cocktail picks or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve moisture.
Save Enjoy these flavorful meatballs fresh from the oven for best taste and texture.
Kitchen Q&A
- → What type of meat is used in the meatballs?
Ground beef is used to create juicy and hearty mini meatballs.
- → How is the cherry glaze prepared?
The glaze combines cherry preserves with ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and optional red pepper flakes, simmered until smooth.
- → Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, the meatballs can be baked in advance and the glaze prepared separately, then combined before serving.
- → What can I use as a substitute for cherry preserves?
Grape jelly can be used as an alternative to cherry preserves for a different flavor profile.
- → Are there ways to make the dish lighter?
Replacing ground beef with ground turkey provides a lighter protein option without compromising taste.
- → How long should the meatballs be baked?
Bake the meatballs for about 18–20 minutes until browned and cooked through.