Meat Balls On Picks
Juicy meatballs on picks with cheesy, spicy flavors, perfect as fun appetizers for gatherings or casual bites, combining beef, cheddar, and bold seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the egg and water together in a bowl.
- Combine the beaten egg and water with remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the meatballs on a shallow baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs on cocktail picks.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped onions to the meat mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. To enhance the cheese flavor, try using pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar. Keep an eye on the baking time, as smaller meatballs will cook faster, similar to the approach in Pepper-Cheese Stuffed Burgers.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are perfect as appetizers at parties, served on cocktail picks with a side of dipping sauces like barbecue or sweet chili sauce. Pair them with a fresh salad or vegetable platter for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside mashed potatoes or in a sandwich, similar to the concept in Individual Meat Loaves With Pineapple.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for a crispier texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls On Picks contains roughly 570 calories, with 30g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (69% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (69% of the Daily Value), and protein (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2694mg per serving (117% 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 freeze the meatballs before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked meatballs. Shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of bread crumbs?
If you don't have bread crumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked quinoa as a substitute. Each will provide a different texture, but they all help bind the meat mixture together.
How can I make these meatballs spicy?
To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder in the recipe or mix in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You could also replace the barbecue sauce with a spicy variant to amp up the flavor.
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).