Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Meatballs

5 from 3 votes. Tap stars to vote

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.

Prep Time20

Cook Time22

Total Time42

Course: Appetizer, Game Day, Snack, Super Bowl Food

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 247kcal

Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
In a large bowl mix together the 1 egg, ¼ cup milk, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 cup panko breadcrumbs. Add in the 1 pound bulk sausage or hot Italian sausage and 1 pound ground chicken.
Use your hands to mix the meats together with the egg mixture until everything is fully combined. Add in the 4 ounces shredded sharp 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.

In a large pot heat up the ¼ cup Vermont maple syrup and the ¾ cup red 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.