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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Meatballs

    By Nancy Mock January 27, 2019 Updated January 31, 2021 Leave a Comment

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    Meatballs with sauce and toothpicks

    They're delicious for a party or a brunch! Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Meatballs have a spicy kick inside and a sweet-spicy glaze on the outside.

    Meatballs with toothpicks on a grey plate.
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    There is something about a meatball that says, "Party!"

    Except of course if it rolls off the table and out through the door (after a particularly powerful nasal episode.) And sometimes hearing "meatballs" means it's cloudy, and about to storm in a very unusual but tasty way.

    Those are very particular and rare occurrences, though. When you see meatballs that are cocktail-sized and set out with some toothpicks at a festive gathering, rest assured they definitely mean "Party!"

    These particular party meatballs are made with a mixture of sausage, chicken and Cheddar cheese, and then they're coated in a sweet-spicy glaze.

    Red and green toothpicks in meatballs

    Why you'll love these meatballs

    Red pepper jelly plus Vermont pure maple syrup brings the sweet, and just a little more heat. (For even extra heat, the regular sausage can be swapped out for spicy Italian sausage. Caliente!)

    Prep these meatballs in advance to make your party day a little easier. After baking and cooling they can be stored in the fridge for a few days or even frozen. Then thaw them, heat them back up with the saucy glaze (glazey sauce?) and they will be ready to go.

    🔪 How to make this recipe

    Step 1: Make the meatballs

    Rows of raw meatballs on a baking sheet

    Combine the egg, seasonings, and meats in a large bowl. Mix in the cheese. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.

    Step 2: Bake the meatballs

    Bake the meatballs for about 10-12 minutes.

    Step 3: Make the sauce

    Heat maple syrup and pepper jelly in a saucepan until they're melted together.

    Step 4: Coat the meatballs

    Meatballs on a plate and in a bowl

    Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, and stir to coat them. Simmer the meatballs gently for about 10 minutes.

    Step 5: Serve them!

    Set the meatballs out in a small crock pot to keep them warm, or skewer them with toothpicks and arrange them on a platter. Enjoy!

    White plate with meatballs

    The recipe for the Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Meatballs is below. Here are a few more appetizer ideas, too!

    Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
    This snacky, pull-apart bread is loaded with gooey cheeses and rich, buttery garlic flavor: perfect to share with a crowd!
    Take me there
    Baked circle of pull apart style bread on a white and red plate
    Maple Sweet-Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs
    Homemade chicken and pork meatballs wrapped in bacon with a spicy bite and a touch of maple syrup sweetness. Maple Sweet-Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs are the best appetizer ever!
    Take me there
    Three toothpick skewered meatballs
    Apple, Brie and Fig Jam Mini Puff Pastries
    Easy to assemble puff pastries filled with brie, fig and apple make a wonderful, sweet little appetizer to set out at your next gathering. 
    Take me there

    💬 What do you think of these spicy little meatballs? Leave me a comment below!

    Red and green toothpicks in meatballs

    Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Meatballs

    Nancy Mock
    They're delicious for a party or a brunch! Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Meatballs have a spicy kick inside and a sweet-spicy glaze on the outside.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print This Recipe Pin This Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 22 mins
    Total Time 42 mins
    Course Appetizer, Game Day, Snack, Super Bowl Food
    Servings 15 servings

    Ingredients
     
     

    Meatballs:

    • 1 egg
    • ¼ cup milk
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 pound bulk sausage or hot Italian sausage
    • 1 pound ground chicken
    • 4 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

    Sauce:

    • ¼ cup Vermont maple syrup
    • ¾ cup red pepper jelly

    Instructions
     

    Make the meatballs:

    • Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
    • In a large bowl mix together the egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and panko breadcrumbs. Add in the hot sausage and ground chicken.
    • Use your hands to mix the meats together with the egg mixture until everything is fully combined. Add in the shredded Cheddar cheese and mix it in thoroughly.
    • Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them touching on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for about 12 minutes until they are just cooked through.
    • Remove them from the oven. Once all the meatballs are baked prepare the sauce.

    Make the sauce:

    • In a large pot heat up the maple syrup and the hot pepper jelly over medium heat.
    • Once the jelly is melted and combined with the syrup, add in the cooked meatballs. Stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
    • Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook the meatballs in the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring often.
    • The meatballs are ready to serve! They can be kept warm in a crock pot set to low to serve at a party or brunch, or you can poke toothpicks into the tops and set them out on a serving tray.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 247kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 407mgPotassium: 267mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 1.6mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment, tell me what you think!
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