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

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

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 4 meatballs)

Meatballs

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

Sauce

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

How to make Cocktail Meatballs

Prepare Meatballs

  1. Step 1

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

  2. Step 2

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

  3. Step 3

    Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

  4. Step 4

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

  5. Step 5

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

Cook Meatballs

  1. Step 1

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

Prepare Sauce

  1. Step 1

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

  2. Step 2

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

Combine and Serve

  1. Step 1

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

  2. Step 2

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

  3. Step 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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