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

Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1lbground bacon
- 1lbground beef
- 1/2cuppanko
- 1/4cupmilk
- 1tspsalt
- 1/2tsppepper
- 1tsporegano
- 1tspbasil
- 1tspparsley
- 1/2tspred pepper flakes
- 1/2cupmild white cheddar, shredded
Sauce
- 1cupBBQ sauce
- 1cupgrape jelly
- 2tbspunagi sauce
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
How to make Cocktail Meatballs
Prepare Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground bacon, ground beef, panko, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes, and shredded cheddar.
Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cook Meatballs
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Prepare Sauce
In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and unagi sauce.
Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
Combine and Serve
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat.
Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.
Nutrition (per serving)
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
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
You can substitute the unagi sauce with soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
FAQS
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.
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.
What can I use instead of grape jelly?
You can use cranberry sauce or apricot preserves as an alternative to grape jelly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
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 ⚜️🐊 Oakland, Ca 📍 Chef Made in Louisiana ⚜️🐊...
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia