Gingersnap-Glazed Savory Meatballs
These Gingersnap-Glazed Savory Meatballs offer a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors. The unique sauce, made with finely crushed gingersnaps, caramelized brown sugar, and robust tomato juice, creates a deliciously unexpected twist that complements the perfectly seasoned meatballs. This comforting dish is ideal for family dinners, paired beautifully with creamy macaroni and cheese and a fresh, crisp salad, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Seasoned bread crumbs
3/4 cup (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground chuck
1 lb (none)
Vegetable oil
as needed (for browning)
Tomato juice
1 3/4 cups (none)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Gingersnaps
5 (finely crushed)
White vinegar
1/8 cup (none)
Onion salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, chopped onion, seasoned bread crumbs, salt, and ground chuck. Mix until well blended.
2
Shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. If you prefer smaller meatballs, aim for about 1 inch in diameter.
3
In a large skillet, heat a thin layer of vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
4
Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a greased baking dish.
5
In the same skillet, combine the tomato juice, brown sugar, crushed gingersnaps, white vinegar, and onion salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
6
Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the baking dish, ensuring they are well coated.
7
Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and the sauce is bubbling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in these Gingersnap-Glazed Savory Meatballs?
The main protein used in this recipe is one pound of ground chuck.
How many eggs are required for the meatball mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 eggs, which should be lightly beaten.
What type of bread crumbs should be used?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of seasoned bread crumbs.
How should the onion be prepared?
You should use one onion that has been chopped.
What size should the meatballs be shaped into?
The recipe suggests aiming for about 1 inch in diameter if you prefer smaller meatballs.
What is the first step in preparing the meatball mixture?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, chopped onion, seasoned bread crumbs, salt, and ground chuck until well blended.
Do the meatballs need to be browned before baking?
Yes, you should brown the meatballs on all sides in a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat.
What ingredients are used to make the glaze?
The glaze consists of tomato juice, brown sugar, crushed gingersnaps, white vinegar, and onion salt.
How many gingersnaps are needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 5 gingersnaps, which should be finely crushed.
How much tomato juice is used in the glaze?
The sauce requires 1 3/4 cups of tomato juice.
What is the oven temperature for baking the meatballs?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should bake for 40-45 minutes until thoroughly cooked.
Should the baking dish be covered during cooking?
Yes, the baking dish should be covered with foil.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What kind of oil is recommended for browning?
Vegetable oil is recommended for browning the meatballs in the skillet.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
White vinegar is used, specifically 1/8 cup.
How much salt is added to the meat mixture?
1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the ground chuck and bread crumb mixture.
What is the amount of onion salt required?
The sauce requires 1/2 teaspoon of onion salt.
How do you prepare the glaze in the skillet?
Combine the sauce ingredients in the skillet used for browning and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
What texture should the gingersnaps have for the sauce?
The gingersnaps should be finely crushed so they can blend into the glaze.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should transfer the browned meatballs to a greased baking dish.
What kind of flavor profile does this dish have?
It offers a fusion of sweet and savory flavors due to the gingersnaps, brown sugar, and tomato juice.
Is this recipe considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe suitable for family dinners.
What side dishes are suggested for this meal?
It is recommended to serve these meatballs with creamy macaroni and cheese and a fresh, crisp salad.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What is the purpose of browning the meatballs in batches?
Browning in batches helps avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures the meatballs sear properly.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While the recipe specifies ground chuck, ground beef is a common adaptation for savory meatballs.
How do you know when the meatballs are finished baking?
They are done when they are thoroughly cooked and the glaze sauce is bubbling.
What makes the glaze unique in this recipe?
The unique element is the use of finely crushed gingersnaps to thicken and flavor the sauce.