5 Mouthwatering Cocktail Meatballs ~ ah the cocktail meatball, equal parts dainty, elegant, and, well, meatball. If you’re looking for a crowd pleasing appetizer that doubles as dinner, get your toothpicks ready and look no further than this cocktail hour classic.
Secrets to Making Fabulous Meatballs ~
- Add a fatty meat like pork to your meatball mix, it lightens the texture and the extra fat insures your meatballs are juicy. If you are using all beef, choose a ground beef with higher fat content.
- Season well, since you can’t taste the meatballs before they’ve cooked, you need to make sure you add enough salt or other seasonings to the meat. Aim for about 3/4 tsp salt per pound of meat, and don’t be afraid to use other appropriate seasonings like onion or garlic powder, white or black pepper, etc. Finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, etc. are great flavor boosters, too.
- Don’t forget the filler ~ you need to lighten up ground meat with something like bread or cracker crumbs, oatmeal, wheat germ, or even mashed potatoes! I generally use 1/2 cup per pound of meat. Don’t skip this because filler is what makes meatballs pillowy, just the way I love them. I also add an egg, which helps to further bind everything together.
- I blend my meatball mixture in my KitchenAid mixer. It might sound crazy but it blends them quickly, evenly, and better than I can do with my hands.
- After an initial browning I like to braise my meatballs in some sort of liquid whenever possible, whether it’s broth, sauce, or gravy. That way the meat stays nice and moist.
- If you need to make meatballs ahead, make the mixture and form the balls, but don’t cook until you’re ready to serve them. Meatballs become tough when they’re reheated.
Swedish Cocktail Meatballs
Classic wintry fare, Swedish meatballs in delicious gravy make the perfect appetizer bite.
Apple Butter Brandy Meatballs
The name really says it all, these apple butter brandy meatballs are beyond delicious.
Cheesy Skillet Meatballs
There’s no way there won’t be a crowd around the skillet when you pull these out of the oven.
Bourbon Meatballs
These juicy vintage inspired meatballs are lightened up with a secret ingredient ~ crushed Ritz crackers!
Drunken Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
Fresh cranberry sauce makes these meatballs so festive, and provides a delicious sweet, tangy sauce for dipping!
Hi – these all look so scrumptious! Can you share where you found those lovely bejeweled picks?
I made them, Colleen, and I link to the tutorial in the post above, here it is: Beaded Cocktail Pick Tutoriall.
Yum to all the meatballs! I always wonder what you’re coming up with next Sue!
Have a Healthy and Happy New Year with your family!
Thanks J, I like to keep my readers on their toes! Happy New Year ๐
Hi Sue, I’m a sister Angeleno new to your food site but just love it! I found it by googling a recipe for Scottish Lemon Shortbread. I made it yesterday but because of guest dietary preferences I used GF flour and Coconut sugar and they ended up coming out just great! The coconut sugar is the color of brown sugar so they came out darker but still delicious and buttery! They disappeared off the plates and washed down with tea after dinner.
I saw your recipe for the cocktail meatballs and they look stunning. Can I substitute ground turkey for the pork and beef? Is there way to keep them light and flavorful? I’m basically a vegetarian who eats fish and a bit of turkey and ham Thank you so much for all that you do!
Hey Nancy, welcome in! I’m so glad that shortbread worked out for you, I love coconut sugar. As for the meatballs, you can always substitute ground turkey, and I’m actually fond of ground chicken as well, if you eat that. I’d say make sure you don’t over work the meat, and basically proceed with the recipes as written otherwise.
They worked with gluten free flour, 2 1/2 cups full?? Did you use a particular brand? 1 cup of all purpose flour would be the maximum to convert to gluten free for me. Gluten free flour costs so much more than all purpose flour, I would hate to waste it!
Bite size meatballs! Love them! Your collection and comments are unbeatable Sue. Thank you. Wish you a great New Year and hope you have some good rest these days. It is time for a caterer or better, be invited! Take care,
We’ll be hanging out on the couch in front of the tv with some good meatballs for sure Alexandra ๐ Happy New year <3
I love the tips for juicy meatballs. THANKS! Think we’ll have meatballs New Year’s Day.
Happy New Year! I reallt enjoy your posts! Can you share where you obtained those colorful appetizers picks featured on your FB post? The tops resemble Venetian glass beads! Lovely! Thank you!
Oh I love that you asked, Ellen, I made them, and have a tutorial here! Happy New Year ๐
I wish you and lour loved ones to have a healthy and prosperous 2019.
To you as well!