Plump, juicy and soft, these Party Cocktail Meatballs are baked and served with a fabulous Sweet & Sour Dipping Sauce that’s super quick to make. Great make ahead for parties!
I know it’s Monday so I should be sharing a sensible quick ‘n easy meal, but it’s Monday Meatball Mania* today and the party season is upon us so cocktail meatballs it is!!
Plump, juicy and soft – as all meatballs should be – these Cocktail Meatballs are served with a Sweet & Sour Dipping Sauce. Individually, you’ll find both tasty. Combine them together – and woah. It’s kind of like Chimichurri Sauce. By itself, you wonder why people go bonkers over it. Eat it with steak and you understand. 🙂
* Monday Meatball Mania is a “thing” that my friend Jo from Jo Cooks and I started at the beginning of this year where we each agreed to share a meatball recipe on the last Monday of every month. Why are we doing this? Because we both agree that all foods that come in ball shapes are exceptionally tasty, there should be more of it, and meatballs are arguably the King of all Ball Shaped Foods, so this is our contribution to making this world a better place.
↑↑↑ Note how I roll out my meatballs: measure and dollop it all out, then roll them into balls. I’ve made a lot of meatballs in my time. Pending the invention of a meatball maker, this is the most efficient way I’ve been able to come up with for rolling meatballs.
↑↑↑ Also note: pork + beef. Because this = optimum tenderness, juiciness, flavour and texture for cocktail meatballs (in my humble, meatball obsessed opinion).
↑↑↑ Also…. baked not fried. Because this = rounder, easier, healthier. Wait until you see me giving these babies a squeeze in the video to show you how soft they are ….. 😂
These Cocktail Meatballs are served with a Sweet & Sour Sauce that I coat the meatballs with as well as serving on the side for dipping. If you usually use store bought, I really urge you to try homemade just once – I am pretty sure you’ll be converted for life! It’s incredibly easy to make with pantry staples – vinegar, ketchup, sugar, cornflour / cornstarch, water and soy sauce (<– No, it doesn’t taste Asiany, soy sauce provides the salt + extra flavour). Just plonk it all into a saucepan, whisk and simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
These Cocktail Meatballs reheat really well, so they’re ideal for gatherings. Bake them, let them cool, then cover and refrigerate or freeze. Microwave to reheat and they’ll become nice and soft again. The Sweet & Sour Sauce keeps for days too – I’m not exactly sure how long, but it’s the sort of thing I’d still consume even a week after making it.
Put them out with toothpicks and serve them at your next party. Or… make them for DINNER!!! I mean, I know I call them Cocktail Meatballs. But really, they’re just Sweet & Sour Meatballs. That’s a dinner meal, right?! – Nagi x
More cocktail food for parties
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Coconut Shrimp / Prawns with Thai Mango Dipping Sauce
-
See all Dip Recipes, all Party Food and the Top 25 Party Foods!
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Cocktail Meatballs with Sweet & Sour Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (Note 1)
- ½ onion
- 250 g / ½ lb beef mince (ground beef) (Note 2)
- 250 g / ½ lb pork mince (ground pork) (Note 2)
- 1 egg
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- 1½ tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 3/4 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Sweet and Sour Sauce (makes ~ 1 cup):
- 1 tbsp cornflour/ cornstarch
- ¼ cup / 65 ml water
- ½ cup / 125 ml apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup / 65 ml tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (Note 2)
Garnish (optional):
- Finely chopped chives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220C / 430F (standard) or 200C / 390F (fan / convection).
- Grate onion into a large bowl using a standard box grater. Add breadcrumbs and mix to coat. Leave to soak for a few minutes.
- Add remaining Meatballs ingredients. Mix well with your hands until combined.
- Measure out level tablespoons and dollop onto work surface. Roll into balls. (My way of rolling balls - fast!)
- Place a rack on a baking tray (optional, Note 3). Spray rack generously with oil. Place balls on the rack.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until browned. Remove tray from oven, immediately transfer meatballs in a large bowl (if you leave them, they stick).
- Drizzle with enough sauce to coat the meatballs. Toss gently, then transfer to serving bowl / plate. Garnish with chives, if desired.
- Serve meatballs with toothpicks and remaining Sauce for Dipping.
SWEET and SOUR SAUCE:
- Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to combine.
- Bring to simmer, stirring / whisking regularly, then simmer until it thickens to a syrup consistency – or thicker if you like. (about 3 minutes)
- Pour meatballs in a bowl, pour a bit of sauce to coat. Serve with remaining sauce, garnished with chives.
Recipe Notes:
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
LIFE OF DOZER
Did I mention that his robe comes with a HOOD???!! 😂
Granny Tisdale says
Could you use mild italian sausage instead of ground pork or would it change the flavor profile too much
Arlette Betts {Falkland Is. ) says
Fabulous .Will make these again . I did add more Worcester sauce though.
Nagi says
I’m so glad you loved them Arlette!
Jilly says
Another winner Nagi! Unbelievably quick to make using your tip to use a tablespoon per ball (even when you realize you forgot to add the worcester sauce and have to remix ingredients). Husband was dubious when he smelled the vinegar when making the sauce but admitted the end result was delicious 😋
Nagi says
Wahoo, I’m so glad they were a hit!
Debra KERSTEN says
After they are baked, can they be put in a crockpot during the party to keep warm? Or are they too soft for that?
GEET says
I am wondering the same…I hope Nagi replies to this. 🙂
Nagi says
Hi Geet and Debra! I know I’m very late replying to Debra’s question but that’s a big YES to keeping it in a crockpot on the warm setting! Fabulous idea for parties 🙂 N x PS updated recipe to note this
Ghislaine says
Thank you soooooo much for making things like the sauce from scratch! It makes it much easier to make small adjustments to accommodate gluten free and/or picky children. I have spent quite a bit of time this morning on your blog saving recipes. You are someone who cooks like I do!
Nagi says
From scratch is definitely better Ghislaine! ❤️
Sue says
Outstanding! Guests couldn’t get enough. They froze beautifully (without sauce) then thawed overnight, made sauce and once hot, gently reheated the meatballs. So delicious!
Nagi says
Perfect Sue!
Helen - England says
Love them
Nagi says
Thanks Helen!
Julie M Hagemann says
Nagi – I made these last weekend for a party. First time making meatballs and they turned out great! Another winning recipe. Thanks! Question though… I’m bringing them to another party on Christmas day. I’d like to freeze them ahead of time and use a Crockpot to keep them warm. We’ll be eating them in the afternoon. Can I just put them frozen in the Crockpot that morning, or do I need to defrost them in the fridge overnight? I’ll make the sauce fresh that morning to pour over in the Crockpot.
Thanks!
Nagi says
Hi Julie, I’m so glad they were a hit! I like to defrost anything before heating it – so that would be my recommendation. x
Jo Vanderhelm says
I made these for our playgroup today. I have recently starting fasting and today was a fast day. I can say with 100% honesty that I served up these meatballs to the group without even tasting (and this is big for me as I am a perfectionist). My faith in your recipes is as always, not misplaced. They were a hit!!! I made a double batch but they disappeared in minutes. I did sneak 3 aside to try after I broke my fast…. delicious, totally wish I snuck a few more! There was plenty of sauce left so I used the sauce with some brown rice, tuna and vegetables for lunch. My sandwich hating daughter is going to be thrilled about these showing up in her lunchbox!
Thanks Nagi!!!
Susan says
These are the most incredible meatballs I have ever had!! Even before adding the sauce – put 2 in the bowl, then 2 in my mouth. 2 in the bowl, then 2 in my mouth!!! Swallow, Repeat.
And thank you, Nagi, for putting the conversion!
Your other recipes are probably equally as amazing. Cannot wait to try more!!
Nagi says
That sounds like ME!!! 😂 So glad you enjoyed these Susan, thanks for letting me know! N xx
carol says
I made these yesterday, omg I could not stop eating them, that sauce such I great balance of flavour.
Will defiantly impressing my dinner guest with these tasty bites.
Thanks heaps I’m addicted to your recipes, so easy to follow and the video what a great idea.
Rosy says
I made this tonight and it was delicious! We had the meatballs with sweet potato fries and peas. Yum! The whole family, incl an 8yr old and a picky 2yr old, enjoyed them! Thank you 🙂
Nagi says
Terrific to hear Rosy! Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it – N x
Tek Chan says
Hi Nagi!!! I made this last night & my 6 yr old daughter who’s a picky eater Love these meat balls so much. She ate it with rice🤗! Looking forward to trying out more of your recipes! Thank you much! Merry Christmas 🎄 in advance!:)
Nagi says
That’s so great to hear Tek! Thanks for letting me know – and Merry Christmas to you too! N x ❤️
Patti says
I love meatballs, and I love sweet and sour sauce, so I can’t wait to make these. I’m thinking they will be on the menu for my Christmas eve party. I love Dozer’s robe, but from his expression, I’m not convinced he’s in love with it. The expression on his face is one of long suffering.
Nagi says
Let’s not feel tooooo sorry for him….. he lives a pretty cushy life! 😂
Farah says
Hi Nagi !!
These look delicious 😍 Can I make them one day in advance and freeze them till the next day? And make the sauce same day?
Marcellina says
Mini meatballs are always perfect finger food! I love that you have baked yours. I will definitely be trying this!
Nagi says
Thanks Marcellina! Hope you do try these! N xx
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Nagi! I love sweet and sour and these meatballs sound wonderful! My mouth is crying for them as I type!
Nagi says
Hang on – you mean you’ve finished digesting Thanksgiving #1 and #2????
Vera G says
Nagi I just made them but mine was quick, quick version with salad. Oh they were fried. Melb.. Has heat wave 2nd week, nights were just as hot, blast. Yesterday 08 Pm 31C, again DID NOT SLEEP, ITS LIKE HAVING HANGOVER BUT WITHOUT ALCOHOL. 03 more days before change. Dozer looks like Sunshine, gorges! Have good week.
Nagi says
So glad you enjoyed it Vera! It is SO SO HOT HERE TOO!!!!
Ron says
Love, love, love “Meatball Mania”. But I love the video even more. That background music was perfect. I had visions of you dancing a Bossa Nova as you cooked.
Nagi says
I’ve previously confessed doing the jiggy when something is a hit, and I cannot deny that it may have happened when I was nibbling on these…..
Ron says
Now a video of that would be something to see! Dozer could man the camera..
Joan Landa says
Those meatballs look so amazing, they are almost illegal! Just what I am looking for to serve at an all-appetizer party. Now, about your boy, Dozer. He is one of the all-time most photogenic dogs out there. I truly think you should consider making a “Dozer calendar” – instead of “Life of Dozer”, how about if you called it “The Year of Dozer”? I would buy one for sure!
Nagi says
Dozer calendar!! 😂 Can you imagine??? Don’t suggest such things, I might actually take it seriously!! 😂
Leah says
I’m with you on the calendar idea Joan!! She can even do the portraits all by her lonesome….then they’d be done right!
*hint*…Nagy…we need a Dozer fix. 😀
Nagi says
I hear you I hear you, there are plans in the works!!!! You will get your Dozer fix! 😂