Piquant Cocktail Meatballs
Savory cocktail meatballs with a tangy, sweet, and spicy glaze, perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that appeal to many palates.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground round ⓘ
- 1 c. corn flake crumbs
- 1/3 c. dried parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/3 c. catsup
- 2 Tbsp. instant minced onions ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can jellied cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) bottle chili sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. bottled lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground round, corn flake crumbs, dried parsley flakes, eggs, soy sauce, pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine catsup, minced onions, cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until heated through.
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your meatballs, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or some grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. If you don't have corn flake crumbs, crushed crackers or bread crumbs can work as substitutes. For a spicier kick, try using a spicy chili sauce instead of the standard variety.
Serving Suggestions
These piquant cocktail meatballs make a great appetizer or party snack. Serve them with toothpicks for easy eating, and consider pairing them with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. They also pair beautifully with Aunt Thom'S Pound Cake for a delightful sweet and savory combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat with some of the sauce until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Piquant Cocktail Meatballs contains roughly 522 calories, with 42g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1841mg per serving (80% 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and bake them ahead of time. Once cooled, store them in the sauce or separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat them gently in the sauce.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with mashed potatoes for a hearty meal, or serve them over rice or noodles for a filling dish. They also work well as a party appetizer alongside dips.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container with sauce. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).