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
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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)
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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
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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.
