Tender, juicy meatballs coated in a glossy sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce make an irresistible holiday appetizer. Serve them warm with cocktail picks for an easy party bite that works beautifully for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s gatherings and holiday parties.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt and black pepper to a large bowl and gently mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small cocktail-size meatballs and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
- Combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil and ginger in a large skillet or saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Cook briefly until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and gently toss until every meatball is thoroughly coated.
- Transfer to a holiday serving dish and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds or fresh parsley. Serve warm with cocktail picks.
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🔄 Variations
🌶️ Sweet & Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce to the glaze.
🍍 Honey Garlic Pineapple: Add small pineapple pieces to the sauce for a sweet tropical variation.
🦃 Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork for a lighter version.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
🎄 Serve on a festive platter with cocktail picks for an easy holiday appetizer.
🥂 Add them to an appetizer spread alongside cheese, crackers and vegetables.
🍚 Turn leftovers into a meal by serving the meatballs over steamed rice with vegetables.
🧊 Storage
Store cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly heated.
💡 Pro Tips
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Mix only until the ingredients are combined so the meatballs remain tender rather than dense.
For entertaining, transfer the finished meatballs and sauce to a small slow cooker and use the warm setting to keep them ready for guests.
❓ FAQs
Can I make Honey Garlic Cocktail Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare and cook the meatballs ahead, refrigerate them, and reheat them in the honey garlic sauce before serving.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes. Fully cooked frozen meatballs are a convenient shortcut. Heat them according to the package directions before coating them in the sauce.
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the meatballs first, then combine them with the prepared sauce in a slow cooker and keep them warm for serving.
How do I keep the meatballs from becoming tough?
Don’t overmix the meat mixture or pack the meatballs too tightly when shaping them.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes. The cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the meatballs separately and prepare the glaze when you’re ready to serve them.