Why Make This Recipe
Meatballs are a classic appetizer that everyone loves. They are easy to make and perfect for parties. These appetizers are not only delicious but also versatile; you can pair them with different sauces. Plus, they are a great finger food option, allowing your guests to enjoy them while mingling.
How to Make Appetizers for Party Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (or your choice of sauce)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the barbecue sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the warm sauce until they are well coated.
- Serve these meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating.
How to Serve Appetizers for Party Meatballs
Serve the meatballs warm on a large platter. You can arrange them neatly and stick toothpicks into each meatball for convenience. Consider offering a variety of sauces, such as barbecue, teriyaki, or sweet and sour, as dips on the side.
How to Store Appetizers for Party Meatballs
If you have leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw and reheat when you want to enjoy them again.
Tips to Make Appetizers for Party Meatballs
- Make sure to mix the meat mixture gently to keep the meatballs tender.
- If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes to the mix.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano for unique flavors.
- Use a small ice cream scoop for perfectly sized meatballs.
Variation
You can switch out the ground beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Additionally, try different spices or sauces to suit your taste preferences.
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Q: Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
Q: How do I reheat the meatballs?
A: You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or in the microwave for a quick option.
Appetizers for Party Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for best results.
- 1 pound ground pork For a lighter option, substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley Fresh parsley enhances flavor.
- 1/4 cup minced onion Red or yellow onion works well.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adjust according to taste.
- 1 each egg Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
For Serving
- 1 cup barbecue sauce Choose your favorite sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
Cooking
- Bake the meatballs in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the barbecue sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the warm sauce until they are well coated.
Serving
- Serve these meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating.
