Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs are a treat you won’t want to miss! These little meatballs are packed with flavor, thanks to a mix of juicy ground meat and a sweet and tangy glaze.
Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in! I can’t resist popping a few while watching my favorite show. They’re so easy to make, you might find yourself whipping them up for any occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of our meatballs. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Mixing in some ground pork adds a nice flavor boost! I often do a half-and-half combo for the best taste.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce is the sweetest choice. If you can’t find it, you can use homemade cranberry sauce or even a different fruit preserve like raspberry. It still works wonderfully with the meatballs.
Chili Sauce or Ketchup: Chili sauce gives a spicy kick, but if you want mild flavors, opt for ketchup. I personally love using homemade ketchup for a fresh taste!
Onion: Finely chopped onions add moisture and sweetness. If onions aren’t your thing, grated zucchini can be a great alternative, adding moisture without strong flavors.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Juicy and Tender?
The key to juicy meatballs is not to overmix the meat. Mix just until combined, as this keeps them tender. Letting the breadcrumbs soak in milk is another great trick to add moisture. Here’s how to make them perfect:
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes to keep meatballs moist.
- Be gentle when combining ingredients; overworking makes them tough.
- Shape meatballs evenly, about 1 inch in size, for consistent cooking.
- Check for doneness: they should be brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Follow these tips, and you’ll serve up flavorful, tender meatballs every time!
How to Make Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
- 1/4 cup chili sauce or ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan or kosher salt flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for baking. In total, this delightful recipe takes roughly 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and tasty option for parties or family gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up easier, or lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for about 5 minutes, until they become soft and mushy. This step helps keep your meatballs nice and moist!
3. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
4. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into small 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they can cook evenly.
5. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 12-15 minutes. They should be browned and cooked through when done, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Prepare the Glaze:
While the meatballs are baking, you can make the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and pour the warm cranberry glaze over them. Toss gently to coat each meatball evenly in the delicious sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the cocktail meatballs warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or salt flakes if desired. These are perfect for parties and are great served with toothpicks for easy snacking!
Enjoy your tangy, sweet, and savory Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs that everyone will love!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey meatballs can be a bit drier, so you might want to add a little more moisture, such as using 1-2 tablespoons of extra milk.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Spicier?
If you’d like a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. You can also swap the chili sauce for a spicier version or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze for added heat!
What Should I Serve With Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs?
These meatballs are delicious on their own as an appetizer, but you can serve them over a bed of rice or pasta to make a complete meal. Pair them with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dinner!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a pan on low heat or microwave them until warmed through. The glaze will help keep them moist!