Sweet & Sour Sauerkraut Meatball Bites
This delightful dish comes courtesy of my dear friend Mary, a devoted Packers fan, who knows how to elevate any gathering with her culinary creations. These Sweet & Sour Sauerkraut Meatball Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for tailgate parties, potlucks, or family get-togethers. Packed with flavor, these meatballs hide the sauerkraut in a luscious sweet and tangy sauce that's perfectly balanced with a hint of spice. You'll fall in love with the combination of juicy meatballs and zesty sauce, and I've never met anyone who could resist going back for seconds. Trust me, you'll have a lot of happy guests and absolutely no leftovers.
12
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Round
1 1/2 lbs (Raw, for meatballs)
Breadcrumbs
1 cup (Plain or seasoned)
French Onion Soup Mix
1 ounce (Packaged)
Eggs
3 (Beaten)
Sauerkraut
1 (14 ounce) can (Drained and rinsed)
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
1 (14 ounce) can (Unopened)
Brown Sugar
1 cup (Packed)
Chili Sauce
1 (12 ounce) bottle (Ketchup-based, like Heinz)
Water
1 1/2 cups (Or use the chili sauce bottle to clean out leftovers)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground round, breadcrumbs, French onion soup mix, and beaten eggs. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
4
In a medium saucepan, combine the sauerkraut, whole berry cranberry sauce, brown sugar, chili sauce, and water. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
5
Once the sauce is boiling, remove it from the heat and pour it evenly over the meatballs in the baking pan.
6
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
7
After an hour, carefully remove the foil and check one meatball to ensure it's thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
8
Serve warm, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this appetizer!
Nutrition Information
5.83g
Fat
26.67g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
0.83g
Fiber
7.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet & Sour Sauerkraut Meatball Bites?
They are a crowd-pleasing appetizer consisting of meatballs baked in a tangy and sweet sauce made with sauerkraut and cranberry sauce.
Who provided this recipe?
This recipe was shared by a friend named Mary, who is a devoted Packers fan.
What kind of meat is used for the meatballs?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of ground round.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should be baked for 1 hour.
Should the sauerkraut be drained before use?
Yes, the 14-ounce can of sauerkraut should be drained and rinsed.
What type of cranberry sauce is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires one 14-ounce can of whole berry cranberry sauce.
What size baking pan should I use?
A greased 9x13 inch baking pan is recommended.
How large should the meatballs be shaped?
The meat mixture should be shaped into 1-inch meatballs.
Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
What are the ingredients for the meatball mixture?
The meatballs are made from ground round, breadcrumbs, French onion soup mix, and beaten eggs.
What are the ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce includes sauerkraut, whole berry cranberry sauce, brown sugar, chili sauce, and water.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 beaten eggs.
What type of chili sauce is recommended?
A ketchup-based chili sauce, such as Heinz, is recommended.
What should the internal temperature of the meatballs be?
The meatballs are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Should the pan be covered during baking?
Yes, cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil before baking.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Combine the sauce ingredients in a saucepan, stir, and bring to a boil before pouring over the meatballs.
How much brown sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Yes, it is specifically suggested for tailgate parties, potlucks, or family get-togethers.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains 5.83g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 26.67g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 7.5g of sugar per serving.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of water.
Why is French onion soup mix used?
It provides a concentrated savory flavor to the meatball mixture.
What makes this an 'easy' recipe?
The preparation involves simple mixing, shaping, and a one-hour bake time with common pantry items.
Can I use the chili sauce bottle to measure the water?
Yes, the instructions suggest using the chili sauce bottle to clean out leftovers while measuring the water.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is approximately 0.83g of fiber per serving.