Meat Balls For Hot Hors D'Oeuvres
Juicy meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy chili and grape jelly sauce, perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings, offering a flavorful bite with each serving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, dried bread crumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, snipped parsley, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce; shape into 1-inch balls.
- In a skillet, brown meatballs in shortening.
- Remove meatballs from skillet and pour out excess fat.
- In the same skillet, heat chili sauce and grape jelly until the jelly is fully dissolved.
- Add meatballs to the sauce and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese or finely chopped bell peppers with the meat mixture. If you're short on time, pre-made meatballs can be used instead of making them from scratch. Substitute the grape jelly with cranberry sauce for a different sweetness that complements the chili sauce nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs as a flavorful appetizer at parties or gatherings. They pair well with toothpicks for easy serving. Complement with a side of crunchy veggies or chips, and consider serving them alongside a refreshing salad for a light meal. They also make a great filling for sliders.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture, or microwave them on medium power until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls For Hot Hors D'Oeuvres contains roughly 360 calories, with 6g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1214mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative that will yield a lighter version of these meatballs. Just be mindful that turkey may require a little more seasoning to achieve the same depth of flavor as beef.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add some heat, mix in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the meatball mixture. You can also serve them with a side of spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
Can I freeze the meatballs after cooking?
Absolutely! Let the meatballs cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the sauce on the stovetop.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).