Save to Pinterest 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 within minutes. Everyone loved the perfect balance between savory and sweet flavors.
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Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb)
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Milk: 1/4 cup
- Onion: 1/4 cup finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Cherry preserves or cherry jam: 1 cup
- Ketchup: 1/4 cup
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 tsp
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Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Mix ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until just combined do not overwork.
- Shape 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 to Pinterest These meatballs always bring everyone together, making every gathering more memorable and joyful.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve with cocktail picks for easy appetizer style, or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
Add a pinch of ground ginger to the glaze for extra flavor or swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free.
Save to Pinterest 
Enjoy these flavorful cherry-glazed meatballs at your next party for guaranteed compliments.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of meat is best for these meatballs?
Ground beef is used for a juicy texture, but ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter version.
- → Can I make the cherry glaze spicier?
Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze provides a subtle heat that complements the sweetness.
- → How should the meatballs be baked?
Arrange small meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- → Are there alternatives to cherry preserves in the glaze?
Grape jelly can be used as a substitute for cherry preserves to create a different flavor twist in the glaze.
- → What dishes pair well with these meatballs?
They pair nicely with a light red wine like Pinot Noir and can be served with cocktail picks for easy snacking at parties.
- → Are there any common allergens in this dish?
Yes, it contains eggs, wheat (breadcrumbs), and soy (soy sauce). Check preserves and ketchup labels for other allergens.
