Description
These Easy Mini Meatball Skewers are juicy, glossy, and perfect for anyone who needs a quick appetizer, easy dinner bite, party food idea, holiday snack, or simple make-ahead recipe. Tender mini beef and pork meatballs are baked until golden, tossed in a sweet and tangy cranberry barbecue glaze, and served on skewers for a fun appetizer that works for game day, potlucks, family gatherings, and easy entertaining.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely grated onion
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil, optional for greasing
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, optional
32 small wooden skewers or cocktail picks
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the pan if needed.
2. Add breadcrumbs and milk to a large bowl. Let them sit for 2 minutes to soften.
3. Add ground beef, ground pork, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan, parsley, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
4. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into mini meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 14 to 17 minutes, or until browned and cooked through to 160°F in the center.
6. While the meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Simmer the glaze for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened.
8. Add the cooked meatballs to the glaze and toss gently until fully coated.
9. Place one glazed meatball on each small skewer or cocktail pick.
10. Arrange on a platter, spoon extra glaze over the top, garnish with parsley or rosemary, and serve warm.
Notes
Mix the meatball mixture gently so the mini meatballs stay tender instead of dense.
Make the meatballs a day ahead and warm them in the glaze before adding the skewers.
For a spicier glaze, add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or a spicy barbecue sauce to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 to 4 mini skewers
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Easy Mini Meatball Skewers, mini meatballs, party appetizer, easy appetizer, quick appetizer, game day food, holiday appetizer, easy dinner bites