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.
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
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.
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.