Savory Garlic Butter Cocktail Meatballs
If you're looking for a delightful twist on traditional cocktail meatballs, these Savory Garlic Butter Cocktail Meatballs are the perfect solution. Free from the common sweet chili grape jelly and Swedish styles, this unique recipe marries tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for parties or cozy gatherings, these bite-sized morsels are sure to impress your guests with their savory taste and aromatic garlicky goodness. Serve them warm straight from the oven or keep them in a crockpot for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (raw)
breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (plain)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon (or basil and oregano)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (or 1/2 teaspoon regular salt)
extra large egg
1 (beaten)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
chicken broth
1 cup (low-sodium)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and egg. Mix until well incorporated.
3
Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4
Arrange the meatballs on a jelly roll pan or other baking sheet with a lip, spacing them evenly.
5
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
6
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
7
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
8
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
9
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
10
Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and combine them with the garlic butter sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
11
If serving at a party, transfer the meatballs and sauce to a crockpot to keep them warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these meatballs different from traditional cocktail meatballs?
Unlike traditional cocktail meatballs that use sweet ingredients like grape jelly or chili sauce, these are purely savory, featuring a rich garlic butter roux and Italian herbs.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner substitute for ground beef in this recipe.
How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free variety and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The meatballs should be baked in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
They typically take between 15 to 20 minutes to cook through and brown on the outside.
Can I cook these meatballs in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
What is the ideal size for cocktail meatballs?
A diameter of approximately 1 inch is perfect for bite-sized party appetizers.
Should I use fresh or bottled minced garlic?
Freshly minced garlic cloves provide the best aroma and flavor for the butter sauce, though bottled minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
What kind of breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?
Plain breadcrumbs are recommended, but Panko can be used for a slightly lighter texture.
Can I keep these warm in a crockpot?
Yes, after baking and coating them in sauce, transfer the meatballs to a crockpot on the 'warm' setting for serving at parties.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, the cooked meatballs can be frozen with or without the sauce for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I use salted butter for the sauce?
You can use salted butter, but you should reduce the amount of added kosher salt in the meatball mixture to maintain a balanced flavor.
What is a good substitute for chicken broth?
Beef broth or vegetable broth are excellent alternatives that maintain the savory depth of the sauce.
Why do my meatballs fall apart?
The egg and breadcrumbs act as binders; ensure these are thoroughly mixed with the meat to help the meatballs hold their shape.
How can I add some spice to this recipe?
You can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce while the garlic is sautéing.
Can I use a different cheese besides parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes that offer a similar salty, nutty flavor.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Allow the sauce to simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes, as the roux will continue to thicken the liquid as it cooks.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
Simply whisk in a little extra chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I double this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales very well; just ensure you use a large enough baking sheet so the meatballs aren't overcrowded.
How many meatballs does one pound of beef make?
One pound of ground beef typically yields about 20 to 24 one-inch meatballs.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
While the beef contains fat, lightly greasing the pan or using parchment paper can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I pan-fry the meatballs instead of baking them?
Yes, you can brown them in a skillet over medium heat, though baking is generally more efficient for larger batches.
What are the best side dishes for these meatballs?
They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or simply served alone with toothpicks as an appetizer.
Can I prepare the raw meatballs ahead of time?
You can roll the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them.
What herbs are in Italian seasoning?
Italian seasoning is typically a blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
If you don't have fresh garlic, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove in the sauce.
Are these meatballs low-carb?
This recipe contains breadcrumbs and flour; for a low-carb version, use crushed pork rinds as a binder and xanthan gum as a thickener.
Can I use a meat blend like beef and pork?
A 50/50 blend of ground beef and ground pork is a popular choice that makes the meatballs extra tender.
How long can they stay in the crockpot?
They can safely stay in a crockpot on the 'warm' setting for 2 to 4 hours; stir occasionally to keep them coated in sauce.