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Apple Cider Cocktail Meatballs

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These apple cider cocktail meatballs are a sweet, tangy, and savory party appetizer featuring a sticky apple cider glaze. Perfect for fall and winter gatherings, they’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and adaptable for various diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (regular, panko, or gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/4 cup grated onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, bread crumbs, egg, milk, grated onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix just until combined.
  3. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls (about 24 meatballs) and arrange on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F for turkey).
  5. While meatballs bake, whisk together apple cider, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small saucepan.
  6. Bring glaze to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until thickened and reduced by about a third (10-15 minutes).
  7. Transfer baked meatballs to the saucepan and gently toss to coat in the glaze. Simmer together for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Arrange glazed meatballs on a platter, insert toothpicks, and spoon extra glaze over the top. Garnish with extra parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

For best results, use real apple cider (not juice) and avoid overmixing the meatball mixture. The recipe is adaptable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets. Both meatballs and glaze can be made ahead and reheated before serving. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes. Meatballs can be kept warm in a slow cooker for parties.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider meatballs, cocktail meatballs, party appetizer, holiday appetizer, easy meatballs, sweet and savory meatballs, fall appetizer, winter appetizer

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/apple-cider-cocktail-meatballs-recipe-easy-party-appetizer-guide/