These Apricot BBQ Cocktail Meatballs are a sweet and tangy treat that everyone loves! Packed with flavor, they pair juicy meatballs with a delicious apricot barbecue sauce for a fun twist.
Perfect for parties or just a cozy night at home, they disappear faster than you can make them! I often serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking—who can resist that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor, but straight beef works well too. If you’re looking for lighter options, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes!
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Even oats can work in a pinch!
Apricot Preserves: These add a sweet touch to the BBQ sauce. If you prefer a different fruit, peach or apricot jam works too for a similar effect. Just check the sweetness level to adjust other ingredients accordingly.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand for easy flavor! If you don’t have any on hand, a mix of ketchup with a dash of vinegar and spices can mimic BBQ sauce nicely.
What’s the Best Way to Form and Cook Meatballs?
Forming and cooking meatballs might seem tricky, but it’s all about technique. You want them to be juicy but firm enough to hold their shape. Here are my go-to tips:
- When mixing, use your hands gently. Over-mixing toughens them up. Just until combined is perfect!
- Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to quickly shape consistent meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches for even cooking.
- If baking, space them out on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly. If pan-frying, give them room to brown without crowding.
- Always check if they’re done using a meat thermometer—160°F (71°C) for beef and pork.
Apricot BBQ Cocktail Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or parsley (optional)
For the Apricot BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup apricot preserves (apricot jam)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce (optional for a little kick)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (for sprinkling)
- Toothpicks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and cooking time will be around 20-30 minutes, depending on whether you bake or pan-fry the meatballs. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45-60 minutes from start to finish. A little time for a lot of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mix), breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, egg, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, black pepper, and dried herbs (if you choose). Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until everything is combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture!
2. Form the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 24-30 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to ensure they don’t stick.
3. Cooking the Meatballs:
You can choose to bake or pan-fry the meatballs based on your preference:
- To bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
- To pan-fry: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, browning them on all sides, then cover the skillet and cook for another 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.
4. Making the Apricot BBQ Sauce:
While your meatballs are cooking, prepare the apricot BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, whisk together the apricot preserves, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken slightly.
5. Combining the Meatballs and Sauce:
Once the meatballs are cooked, place them in a large bowl or back into the pan. Pour the warm apricot BBQ sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat each meatball evenly in the sauce.
6. Serving:
Transfer your saucy meatballs to a serving platter. For easy snacking, insert toothpicks into each meatball. To finish, sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
These sweet, tangy, and savory cocktail meatballs are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as an irresistible snack at home. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean option and will still work beautifully in this recipe. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or moisture, like an extra splash of milk, since turkey can be drier than beef.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You’ll get the same binding effect without the gluten!
Can I Prepare the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and shape the meatballs a day in advance. Just cover them and store in the refrigerator. Cook them right before serving for the best flavor and texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of extra sauce if needed to keep them moist.
