If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both festive and effortless, these Easy Mini Meatball Skewers are a must-try. Juicy, bite-sized meatballs glazed with a sweet cranberry BBQ sauce bring bold flavor and visual appeal to your holiday table or any casual gathering. This easy recipe is perfect for those looking for quick party appetizers, holiday finger foods, or creative dinner ideas. Whether you’re serving them at a cocktail party or prepping a batch for family night, these skewers are a standout in the world of easy recipes, savory bites, and food ideas everyone loves.

These delightful mini meatball skewers are not only simple to make but also incredibly flavorful. With a luscious combination of cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and a hint of spices, each bite delivers an explosion of taste that will have your guests coming back for more. Plus, the garnish of fresh herbs adds a lovely touch to this dish, making it as attractive as it is delicious. Perfect for holiday feasts and casual get-togethers alike, you can’t go wrong serving these at your next event!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mini Meatball Skewers

Flavor-packed: The savory meatballs paired with a tangy glaze bring an irresistible taste to the table.
Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Versatile: These skewers can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even a fun finger food for kids.
Customizable: Multiple variations allow you to switch up flavors based on your preferences.
Healthy options: You can easily adapt the ingredients to make them leaner or to cater to dietary restrictions.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the world of these mouthwatering mini meatball skewers, it’s important to prepare your kitchen workspace for success. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. A good quality baking sheet will help ensure that your meatballs cook evenly while reducing the stickiness during baking.

Gather all the necessary tools including a large mixing bowl, a spoon or scoop for shaping the meatballs, and a saucepan for preparing the glaze. Consider using a cookie scoop to shape the meatballs uniformly—this will help them cook evenly. Additionally, if you want to save some prep time, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and simply bake them right before your guests arrive.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 or beef-pork blend)
1/3 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt to taste
Fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish
20–24 cocktail skewers or toothpicks

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your meatballs will cook evenly and thoroughly. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will prevent the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, parsley, and those optional red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make your meatballs tough. The mixture should hold together nicely without being overly wet.

Step 3: Form the Mini Meatballs

Now it’s time to form your meatballs! Using a scoop or your hands, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. This size is perfect for skewering and ensures they cook through evenly. Place the meatballs evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet to ensure proper airflow during cooking.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the meatballs cook for about 15-18 minutes. They’re done when they are browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, remove them from the oven and let them sit while you prepare the glaze.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture together and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This glaze will add a sweet and tangy dimension to your meatballs.

Step 6: Toss the Meatballs in Glaze

Add the baked meatballs to the saucepan with the glaze, tossing them gently to ensure they are well-coated. Allow them to simmer together for 2-3 minutes; this step will intensify the flavors and ensure that each meatball is enveloped in delicious sauce.

Step 7: Skewer and Serve

Now, it’s time to plate your skewers! Take the cocktail skewers or toothpicks and insert them into each meatball, creating cute little bites that are perfect for your guests. Arrange them on a platter and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for presentation. Finally, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for that extra touch of color and freshness.

Variations

Protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Vegetables: Add finely chopped veggies like spinach or bell peppers to the meat mixture for added nutrition.
Spices: Experiment with other spices like cumin or paprika for different flavor profiles.

Cooking Notes

For a sweeter glaze, adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking.
If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can work as a substitute, but the flavor profile may vary slightly.
Observe cooking times carefully; overbaking can result in dry meatballs.
These meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for several days, making them perfect for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the skewers with a creamy dip like ranch or garlic sauce for a delightful contrast.
Serve alongside a light salad for a complete meal.

Tips

Use a cookie scoop for consistent meatball sizes, promoting even cooking.
Consider soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning in the oven.
Experiment with different sauces for dipping to change up the flavor.
Serve with toothpicks for easy eating at parties.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 95
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 160mg

FAQs

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to three months. Just shape them and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw before baking.

What type of meat works best for this recipe?

Ground beef is great, but you can also use turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats for different flavors.

Can I make these meatballs without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed oats or ground nuts for a gluten-free option.

How can I serve these skewers?

They’re perfect for appetizers at parties, but you can also serve them as a fun main course alongside sides like pasta or salads.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easy Mini Meatball Skewers are a delicious and versatile dish that everyone enjoys. Their blend of flavors paired with the convenience of handheld bites makes them perfect for gatherings and celebrations. The recipe is not only simple but allows for plenty of creativity. So why not give these meatball skewers a try at your next event? We would love to hear how they turn out. Comment below with your thoughts, share your variations, and don’t forget to enjoy the deliciousness you’ll create!