Sweet And Sour Cocktail Meatballs
Sweet and sour cocktail meatballs offer a delightful combination of savory beef, tangy jelly, and sweet barbecue flavors, making them perfect for parties or casual gatherings. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser with their rich, flavorful glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion soup mix, and Accent until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs on a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding minced garlic or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to the meatball mixture. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oatmeal can serve as effective substitutes. To make these meatballs gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs. The combination of barbecue sauce and jellies creates a lovely sweet and sour glaze, reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet and sour cocktail meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or party snack. Serve them with toothpicks and a side of the remaining barbecue sauce for dipping. They pair wonderfully with Ole Settlers Baked Beans for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, serve alongside rice or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Cocktail Meatballs contains roughly 952 calories, with 24g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1242mg per serving (54% 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 beef for this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Keep in mind that turkey may result in a drier texture, so consider adding a bit more jelly or a splash of broth to keep the meatballs moist.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
To ensure your meatballs are thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F. Alternatively, cut one open to ensure it's no longer pink inside and the juices run clear.
Can I make these meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. They can also be frozen raw or cooked, making them a convenient option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
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).