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    Recipes » Appetizers + Snack » Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party

    Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party

    Jan 6, 2023 · Last updated: Dec 23, 2021 by Gina Dickson · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

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    meatballs covered in sauce, sesame, basil, bbq

    Meatball appetizers make great make-ahead party food! They're perfect for groups and budget-friendly! Meatballs go with more than just marinara sauce, and the possibilities are endless. I've collected all my favorite easy meatball appetizer recipes for your next party in one place!

    Collage of meatballs in tomato sauce, honey garlic suace, and bbq sauce. Meatball topped with mozzarella and basil.

    Along with great meatball recipes, I have also included simple tips for cooking meatballs to help you make the perfect tender meatball that is full of great flavor and holds together in your sauce. After learning how to make the perfect meatball, scroll through the list of all the best meatball recipes I could find! Tap the recipe button to learn more and print the recipe card.

    Jump to:
    • 🎉 Why Make Meatballs For A Party?
    • Tips For Making The Best Meatballs
    • How do I keep meatballs soft after cooking?
    • 🧊 Can I cook frozen meatballs?
    • 🔥 What's the best way to keep meatballs hot for a party?
    • Traditional Meatball Appetizers
    • Crockpot Meatballs + More Ways to Make Meatballs Easily
    • International Flavors
    • Party Cocktail Meatballs
    • Meatballs Made Without Beef
    • Vegan Cocktail Meatballs
    • What To Serve With Meatballs For Dinner
    • More Party Ideas

    🎉 Why Make Meatballs For A Party?

    When it comes to planning parties, I've discovered quick and easy tips that will be helpful to you. If appetizers are the only thing being served at a party, such as a baby shower, engagement party, or birthday celebration, I like to include meatballs as a hearty appetizer.

    • Meatball appetizers are easy to keep hot and serve no matter what size of party you are having.
    • Family-friendly appetizer that both kids and adults enjoy.
    • Meatballs are a freezer-friendly party food to keep on hand for last minute gatherings!

    Meatballs are also great for Game Day Party food. You can stuff them into hoagies or serve them as bite-sized treats tossed in my bacon BBQ Sauce. They also work for holiday parties or any time you expect a crowd.

    💰Budget-Friendly Tip: Because meatballs are made with ground meat, you can add them to a selection of other Budget-friendly Appetizer Ideas for a party that's easy on the wallet. You can even serve them up for delicious budget-friendly meat for your weeknight dinner's main course dish.

    Here is one more fun idea for serving meatballs. Make your meatballs with lean ground meat and use a low in sugar sauce such as marinara. Severe them with raw veggies, olives and pickled veggies. For more ideas, be sure to tap over to my Healthy Charcuterie Board Suggestions.

    Tips For Making The Best Meatballs

    With a few basic tips, you can cook delicious meatballs for your next party or dinner.

    🤫 What's the secret to tender meatballs?

    • Add day-old bread soaked in milk or water into your meatball ingredients. Mix this into your meat mixture for a light, tender meatball.
    • Do not overcook your meatballs. Cooking ground beef, ground chicken, or ground pork too long makes it tough.
    • Start with chilled meat and then add one-third cup of ice-cold water a little at a time. This is a secret to keeping meatballs tender without adding calories.
    • Serve meatballs in a sauce after cooking so they do not dry out.

    💡 What's the trick to meatballs that don't fall apart?

    The number one thing to do is make sure you use a binder when making your meatballs. There are quite a few ways to do this including:

    • Add bread pieces soaked in milk or mix in dried bread crumbs and eggs.
    • Use crumbled Ritz crackers and egg mixture with the raw meat.
    • I've seen some recipes use flour mixed into the meat mixture.

    🏆 TOP TIP: Use a cookie scoop when forming the meatballs. This helps pack them together without overhandling the meatball mixture, which makes them tough.

    Should meatballs be cooked before putting in sauce?

    Yes, most definitely. Browning meatballs until a golden brown in a frying pan is best to add color to the outside of the meat, seals the juices, and also helps them keep their shape. After they're browned, finish cooking them in the sauce.

    This method gives the meatballs a light, crunchy outside and a juicy, tender inside. It also infuses a flavor from the meatballs into the sauce.

    Is it better to bake or pan-fry meatballs?

    Pan fry or baking meatballs are both good ways to cook them. However, baking them allows an

    How do I keep meatballs soft after cooking?

    There's no one way to achieve tender meatballs, but here are some tricks I've used especially when they will be kept hot for an extended period of time.

    • Add moisture when making the meatballs. This could be from veggies, barbecue sauces, or a little bit of ice water.
    • Don't over-mix or pack them into balls too tightly.
    • Keep the meatballs larger than an inch in diameter. Smaller than an inch tends to dry out when cooking.
    • Pan-fry the outside of your meatballs first before adding to the sauce. This seals in the juices and keeps the inside tender.
    • Use a timer to prevent overcooking overcook the meatballs.
    • Use a mixture of meat with some fat. I like to use 30% high-fat meat to 70% lean ground beef for a soft meatball.

    🧊 Can I cook frozen meatballs?

    Yes, you can! The big advantage of frozen meatballs is most are already cooked so they just need to be heated.

    Cook them in a preheated oven at 350° F. Place the number of frozen meatballs you want in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from the baking sheet and toss them into your sauce.

    🏆 TOP TIP: Be sure not to have the meatballs too close together; there should be an inch or more space between them to allow air to circulate around them which heats and browns them at the same time.

    Should I thaw meatballs before going in a crockpot?

    No, it's not necessary. You can put frozen meatballs directly into your crockpot. It's best to have them on the bottom so they will get the most heat.

    Add the rest of your ingredients on top and follow the cooking time in the recipe.

    🔥 What's the best way to keep meatballs hot for a party?

    • Stovetop: keep them warm over very low heat for up to 1 hour
    • Crockpot: After you have cooked the meatballs in sauce, transfer to a crockpot and set the temperature to a warm setting. They will keep for several hours. It is good to stir every hour to keep the sauce from sticking to the slow cooker.
    • Chafing dish: An affordable option for large parties to keep food warm is a chafing dish. Another perk is they make cleaning up after the party a breeze.

    24 Piece Party Serving Kit Includes Chafing Kits and Serving Utensils


    Traditional Meatball Appetizers

    If you're looking for classic flavors that appeal to a wide-variety of people then look no further. These meatballs make the perfect appetizer to serve for large groups. They're guaranteed to be a hit!

    Here you will find meatballs in barbecue sauce, marinara sauce, buffalo sauce, and the famous grape jelly meatballs!

    Buffalo Turkey Meatballs
    buffalo turkey meat balls with sauce, stacked on a plate
    Buffalo Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are the perfect quick snack or appetizer that you can make ahead and freeze in large batches. Then when you need a quick party snack just place them in your air fryer and bake. Sauce them up mild, medium, or extra hot.
    Recipe
    BBQ Chicken Meatballs by We Are Not Martha
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    These BBQ Chicken Meatballs are one of my favorite easy party appetizers, but they also make a delicious dinner when served with a veggie side!
    Recipe
    BEST Grape Jelly Meatballs by Salt & Baker
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Grape Jelly Meatballs can be served as a main course or an appetizer for game days! These crockpot grape jelly meatballs are easy to make and loved by all!
    Recipe
    WHOLE30 SWEDISH MEATBALLS by Organically Addison
    swedish meatballs with brown sauce
    These Whole30 Swedish Meatballs are hearty, savory, and so flavorful! The gravy is smooth and creamy. This is an easy and healthy recipe!
    Recipe
    Smokey BBQ Meatballs by Holmes Cook
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Homemade pork and beef meatballs take this traditional meatball recipe to an unbelievable smoky BBQ treat! These cocktail meatballs are perfect for parties or a delicious dinner.
    Recipe

    Crockpot Meatballs + More Ways to Make Meatballs Easily

    Let's face it, sometimes we get pressed for time but that's when it's time to reach for kitchen tools that make life easier! The slow cooker meatballs are great because you can set them up and let them cook for hours with very little attention.

    The Instant Pot is great for cooking your favorite homemade meatballs recipe quickly and much easier than other methods! Or reach for the air fryer for smaller groups or to use when the oven is full of other appetizers.

    Discover old favorites but also some exciting new ways to serve meatballs for any special occasion.

    Crockpot Meatballs with Blackberry Chili Sauce by Cook in Canuck
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Crockpot meatballs are fantastic for holiday and game day parties. The sweet and slightly spicy blackberry chili sauce adds a ton of flavor to these light meatballs!
    Recipe
    Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
    These Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect appetizer for your next get together! Make delicious party meatballs in a tangy sauce in just 10 minutes with 6 simple ingredients!
    Recipe
    Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
    Coca Cola Crockpot Meatballs
    You're going to love these savory and delicious 3-ingredient crockpot Coca-Cola® meatballs! They're perfect for game day and always a crowd pleaser!
    Recipe
    Coca-cola meatballs in a white bowl.
    Crockpot Gluten Free BBQ Turkey Meatballs
    These gluten free Slow Cooker BBQ Turkey Meatballs are healthy and easy to make. They’re baked and then tossed in a tangy barbeque sauce!
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Instant Pot Blackberry Jalapeño BBQ Meatballs
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Instant Pot Blackberry Jalapeño BBQ Meatballs, an easy, sweet and spicy cocktail meatball appetizer for holiday parties or game day.
    Recipe
    Instant Pot Easy Korean Meatballs
    Glazed Korean meatballs are easy to prepare and take minutes to cook! In recent years Korean food become some of our favorite dinner time meals.
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Instant Pot Cocktail Meatballs Recipe
    An easy recipe for instant pot cocktail meatballs. Delicious homemade meatballs cooked in a rich sticky sauce are juicy and flavorful. These pressure cooker cocktail meatballs are ready for serving in 30 minutes!
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Air Fryer Taco Meatballs
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    These low carb Taco Meatballs are absolutely bursting with taco flavor! They’re quick and easy to make thanks since they’re cooked in the air fryer!
    Recipe

    International Flavors

    Give your easy cocktail meatballs a makeover by making them with an international flair! In many instances, it's just a simple swap of a meatball sauce recipe that's needed to change it up.

    There are lots of ways to incorporate more diverse flavors into your party menu! Let's look at a few ways that are some of my favorites!

    Sweet Ginger Sesame Meatballs
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party sweet sesame ginger meatballs
    These Sweet Sesame Ginger Meatballs are an Asian-style turkey meatball that can be served as an appetizer or on a bed of rice for a complete meal!
    Recipe
    Delicious Meatball Parmesan Bites
    Meatball Parmesan Bites. Tender meatballs infused with garlic, breadcrumbs, and parmesan, bathed in red sauce and topped with melted cheese.
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Mediterranean Meatballs With Dill Pesto
    These Mediterranean meatballs are filled with feta, spinach and other herbs and seasonings. Serve with a fresh dill pesto for maximum flavor!
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Easy Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
    Juicy, tender Greek meatballs that are bursting with flavours of oregano, mint, parsley and red onion. This a super easy and delicious recipe.
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Mini Indian Meatballs with Curry Coconut Sauce
    Mini Indian Meatballs with Curry Coconut Sauce. With Indian spices added like turmeric and fresh mint, served in a delicious sauce.
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Mexican Meatballs With Avocado-Crema Sauce
    These tender, succulent Mexican meatballs come with just the right kick of spice and a decadent avocado-crema sauce for your dipping pleasure.
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Tsukune (Japanese Grilled Chicken Meatballs
    Tsukune, Japanese grilled chicken meatballs, with keto teriyaki sauce is sweet, salty, and absolutely delicious! This is the best low carb Tsukune recipe!
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Sweet Gochujang Meatballs Appetizer
    Sweet Gochujang Meatballs appetizer using frozen mini cocktail meatballs with garlicky maple gochujang sauce. Recipe for Instant pot, Regular and slow cooker.
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party

    Party Cocktail Meatballs

    If you're looking for unique ways to serve up meatballs, then stop here! These are a little extra special, which makes them perfect for a fancier gathering. They'll still work for football parties, too but they may involve a bit more work than some of the other meatball recipes!

    Mini Spaghetti Nests and Italian Meatballs Appetizer
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    These Mini Spaghetti Nests and Italian Meatball Appetizers are made with creamy Alfredo angel hair pasta & Italian-style meatballs.
    Recipe
    Brie-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
    These Brie-Stuffed Meatballs are incredibly moist turkey meatballs with a delightful brie cheese surprise in the middle!
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Bourbon Meatballs Appetizer
    This bourbon meatballs appetizer recipe is so delicious, you will want to eat them for a meal and not just for an appetizer! Succulent and tasty!
    Recipe
    bourbon meatballs in a bowl with red sauce and toothpicks
    Easy Meatball Bites in Crescent Dough
    These are the easiest and tastiest dough wrapped meatball bites around! Adults and kid alike will marvel at how delicious these are to enjoy!
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Raspberry Black Bean Meatball Skillet
    A spin off of a popular appetizer, this Raspberry Black Bean dip meatball skillet will definitely become your next go-to meal!
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Sticky Honey Sriracha Meatballs
    These Sticky Honey Sriracha Meatballs combine staple pantry ingredients for the perfect weeknight family meal everyone will love.
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party Sticky honey glazed meatballs

    Meatballs Made Without Beef

    While beef or a combination of meats are most commonly used for meatballs, there are other meats you can shape into meatballs! In many cases, this is one step to take when you're looking for a healthier cocktail meatball recipe!

    Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe
    Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe in a white dish with sauce
    Your family will applaud your dinner when you make this healthy and delicious Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe.
    Recipe
    Smoked BBQ Turkey Meatballs
    These BBQ Turkey Meatballs are small but pack a ton of flavor. Easily prepped in one bowl, they’re perfect as part of a weeknight dinner or as party food.
    Recipe
    bbq turkey meatballs on a plate with a toothpick in one
    Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
    These buffalo chicken meatballs are the BEST! I add a secret ingredient to the hot sauce making them super delicious and packed with flavor!
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Low Carb Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
    See how to make buffalo chicken meatballs with just 6 ingredients! This easy low carb keto buffalo chicken meatballs recipe is a mashup of wings + meatballs, with only 10 minutes prep.
    Recipe
    Low Carb Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
    Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs + Sour Cream Dip
    Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs! Finely chopped ham and Swiss cheese add tons of flavor to this low carb appetizer or ground chicken entrée.
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Greek Turkey Meatballs
    These baked Greek Turkey Meatballs are loaded with flavor and include feta cheese & sundried tomatoes baked right in. Serve with homemade tzatziki.
    Recipe
    60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    Keto Baked Asian Turkey Meatballs Recipe
    Learn how to make healthy, keto Asian turkey meatballs that are full of flavor, with 10-minute prep! This baked ground turkey meatball recipe has simple ingredients and just 6 grams net carbs.
    Recipe
    Keto Baked Asian Turkey Meatballs Recipe

    Vegan Cocktail Meatballs

    These vegan meatballs make the perfect party food when you're expecting vegan or vegetarians at a party! They're tasty enough to appeal to everyone attending, but a great way to cater to friends and family who don't eat meat.

    Vegan meatballs will also appeal to guests who are looking for healthier food options at parties.

    Meaty Vegan TVP Meatballs
    black skillet with vegan tvp meatball in red sauce
    Vegan tvp meatballs that are meaty, flavorful & meat eaters approved, yet also healthy at the same time ! They are also quick & easy to make.
    Recipe
    Vegan Swedish Meatballs
    vegan swedish meatballs in a pan with yellowish cream sauce
    These delicious Vegan Swedish Meatballs are reminiscent of the classic IKEA version. They are perfectly textured and seasoned with warm spices. Then they are smothered in a rich and creamy gravy that is the epitome of comfort.
    Recipe

    What To Serve With Meatballs For Dinner

    You can easily make any of these meatball recipes and serve them as a main course for dinner. Here are a few side suggestions to make your menu a complete meal when serving meatballs.

    • Potatoes: Mashed Potatoes Without Butter are great with meatball sauce poured over them. They would also be good over roasted potatoes or Baked Potatoes In An Air Fryer.
    • Rice: For a quick side to put the sauce over, make Instant Pot Coconut Rice.
    • Noodles: You can serve the meatballs and their sauce over spaghetti noodles, udon, egg noodles, or any of your favorite kinds of pasta.
    • Bread: Serve meatballs in a sub roll or with Beer Bread. For a keto option, serve them over a Wonder Bread Chaffle.
    • Veggies: Grilled Corn On The Cob, green beans, Crock Pot Asparagus, steamed broccoli, Green Jacket Salad or Fuji Apple Salad Recipe.

    More Party Ideas

    • Healthy Charcuterie Board Ideas
    • Unique Hummus Recipes
    • Easy Topping Ideas For What To Serve With Baked Potato Bar
    • Game Day Party Food Bars

    I appreciate your shares! xox

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    About Gina Dickson

    Hey y'all, I am here to help you build community and nurture faith around your table. You will find fun party ideas and delicious recipes for easy-to-make meals and party food. I want to help you create a table where people come together, enjoy a meal and linger with good conversation.

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    1. Addie

      April 29, 2021 at 4:56 pm

      This is so helpful for entertaining! Thank you!

      Reply

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