Delicious cocktail meatballs made with a blend of bacon and beef, served with a sweet and tangy sauce.

Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
50min
Cocktail Meatballs recipe

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 4 meatballs)

Meatballs

  • 1lb
    ground bacon
  • 1lb
    ground beef
  • 1/2cup
    panko
  • 1/4cup
    milk
  • 1tsp
    salt
  • 1/2tsp
    pepper
  • 1tsp
    oregano
  • 1tsp
    basil
  • 1tsp
    parsley
  • 1/2tsp
    red pepper flakes
  • 1/2cup
    mild white cheddar, shredded

Sauce

  • 1cup
    BBQ sauce
  • 1cup
    grape jelly
  • 2tbsp
    unagi sauce

How to make Cocktail Meatballs

Prepare Meatballs

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a large bowl, combine ground bacon, ground beef, panko, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes, and shredded cheddar.

  3. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

  4. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

  5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cook Meatballs

  1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Prepare Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and unagi sauce.

  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and heated through.

Combine and Serve

  1. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish.

  2. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat.

  3. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

908.3kcal (45.42%)

Protein

51.8g (100%)

Carbs

32.3g (11.75%)

Sugars

25.3g (50.68%)

Healthy Fat

35.0g

Unhealthy Fat

28.8g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.

  2. You can substitute the unagi sauce with soy sauce for a different flavor profile.

FAQS

  1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them before serving.

  2. Can I freeze the meatballs?

    Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

  3. What can I use instead of grape jelly?

    You can use cranberry sauce or apricot preserves as an alternative to grape jelly.

  4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

  5. What is unagi sauce?

    Unagi sauce is a sweet and savory Japanese sauce often used with grilled eel. It can be substituted with soy sauce if unavailable.

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Brandon Griffin

(@cajuninthekitchen)

Oakland, Ca 📍 Chef Made in Louisiana ⚜️🐊...

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