These apricot BBQ cocktail meatballs are a fun and tasty treat! They’re made with juicy meatballs, sweet apricot jam, and a tangy barbecue sauce that makes every bite pop.
Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in, I can’t resist grabbing a few too many. Pair them with toothpicks and watch them disappear faster than you can say “yum!” 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use ground beef, pork, or even chicken or turkey for a leaner option. I prefer a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Standard dry breadcrumbs work great, but feel free to use panko for an extra crunch! If gluten-free, substitute with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Apricot Preserves: If apricot isn’t your favorite, peach or mango preserves can be used as a fun twist! Just keep the sweetness in mind and adjust if needed.
Barbecue Sauce: Pick your favorite brand or flavor. You can also make your own, or for a different taste, try sweet chili sauce.
How Do I Make Perfect Meatballs?
Making meatballs might seem tricky, but with the right technique, they turn out great! Start by mixing the ingredients without overworking them to keep them tender.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Gently mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings in a bowl. Overmixing can toughen the meatballs.
- Shape them into uniform sizes, so they cook evenly.
- Bake until golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Using this method will ensure you have delicious and tender meatballs every time!
How to Make Apricot BBQ Cocktail Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Saucy Glaze:
- 1 cup apricot preserves (jam)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Cocktail picks or toothpicks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for baking, making it a total of around 35 minutes. You’ll have delicious cocktail meatballs ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, get your oven warmed up! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a little cooking spray to lightly grease it. This helps the meatballs not stick!
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix everything together. Just make sure not to overmix—this keeps your meatballs tender!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Now, it’s time to shape your mixture into small meatballs! Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be cooked through and nice and brown when they’re done.
5. Prepare the Apricot BBQ Sauce:
While your meatballs are baking, grab a saucepan and combine the apricot preserves, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is warm and slightly thickened—this should take about 5 minutes.
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are finished baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm apricot BBQ sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly. Make sure they are all covered in that delicious sauce!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the sauced meatballs on a serving tray. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch. Insert cocktail picks or toothpicks into each meatball for easy eating.
8. Ready for the Party:
Serve warm and enjoy your sweet, tangy, and savory cocktail meatballs! They are sure to be a hit!
Can I Make These Meatballs in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Shape them and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed!
What Can I Substitute for Apricot Preserves?
If you don’t have apricot preserves on hand, feel free to use peach, mango, or even raspberry jam for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on the preserve you choose.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave them for a quick snack or warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra sauce if needed to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze the Meatballs?
Yes! These meatballs freeze well. Once cooked, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.