Looking for the perfect party appetizer that’s quick to make, surprisingly healthy, and bursting with flavor? Look no further than Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs! As a busy parent, I know how hard it is to find snacks that everyone will love. But these meatballs? Game-changer! They disappear in minutes, and I feel good knowing they’re made with wholesome ingredients. Trust me, these will be a hit.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Every year during the holidays, my grandmother would make these amazing little meatballs. The smell alone would fill the entire house with warmth and anticipation. She called them her “Secret Recipe Meatballs,” but I’ve since learned it’s all about the sauce! Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs brings back those cherished memories of family gatherings and delicious food and I think any and everybody is going to love them!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Awesome Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and browned.
- While meatballs are baking, prepare the Awesome Sauce. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, grape jelly, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the jelly is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the Awesome Sauce.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Best Results
For the juiciest meatballs, use a blend of ground beef and ground pork. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. A gentle hand will result in a tender texture. To ensure even cooking, make sure all the meatballs are roughly the same size. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Don’t skip the simmering step! Simmering the cooked meatballs in the sauce allows them to absorb the flavors fully, resulting in a richer taste. You can also prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.
Serving Suggestions
Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. They make an excellent appetizer at parties, served in a slow cooker to keep them warm and easily accessible. Place a bowl of toothpicks nearby for easy grabbing. They are also great over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal, that’s sure to delight every body. For a fun twist, serve them as sliders on mini Hawaiian rolls. The sweetness of the rolls complements the tangy-sweet sauce perfectly. If you’re looking to add a bit of freshness, garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Pair them with a crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the meatballs.
Conclusion
Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs are more than just a recipe; they’re a crowd-pleaser that brings people together. Their quick and easy preparation, coupled with their incredible flavor, makes them a go-to choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a holiday gathering, or just looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. The delightful sweet and savory sauce elevates these meatballs to a whole new level of deliciousness. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can whip up a batch of these flavorful bites in no time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate party snack that everyone will love.
Awesome Sauce Party Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and browned.
- While meatballs are baking, prepare the Awesome Sauce. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, grape jelly, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the jelly is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the Awesome Sauce.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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