Easy Mini Meatball Skewers

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When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, these Easy Mini Meatball Skewers are hard to beat. Juicy, flavorful meatballs glazed in a sweet and tangy sauce, served bite-sized on skewers for the ultimate party snack. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, holiday gathering, or potluck, these little bites disappear fast.

What makes them extra special? It’s the combo of savory meat, rich cranberry BBQ glaze, and that perfect pop of freshness from herbs. Plus, serving them on mini skewers makes them irresistibly easy to grab and enjoy—no forks required!

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking, gather a few kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one large and one small mixing bowl. The large one for combining the meatball ingredients and the small for the glaze.
• Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: Keeps the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: Helps shape evenly sized meatballs so they cook at the same rate.
• Wooden Cocktail Skewers or Toothpicks: These are your serving MVPs. Not only do they add a fun presentation, but they make the meatballs easy to serve and eat.
• Small Saucepan: Needed to warm and blend the glaze ingredients until perfectly smooth.

Having these essentials ready will set you up for a seamless meatball-making session.

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Ingredients for the Easy Mini Meatball Skewers

• Ground Beef or Turkey: This is the base of your meatballs. Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meat mixture and hold in moisture.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs together.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and a subtle saltiness.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Boosts flavor in every bite.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors.
• Cranberry Sauce: Adds sweetness and tartness to the glaze.
• BBQ Sauce: Gives the glaze its smoky, tangy body.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and brightness.

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How To Make the Easy Mini Meatball Skewers

Step 1: Mix and Form the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. Use a scoop or spoon to form mini balls.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

While the meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to simmer.

Step 4: Coat the Meatballs

Transfer baked meatballs to a bowl and pour the warm glaze over them. Gently toss until evenly coated.

Step 5: Skewer and Serve

Insert a wooden pick into each meatball. Arrange them on a platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley if using, and serve warm!

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How to Serve and Store Easy Mini Meatball Skewers

These skewers are best served warm, straight from the oven, with the glaze freshly tossed. Arrange them on a large platter or serving board with extra glaze on the side for dipping. They’re perfect for parties and potlucks where guests can easily grab and enjoy.

To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If making ahead, you can prepare the meatballs and glaze separately, then glaze and skewer right before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake or reheat them just before serving.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes! Freeze the cooked meatballs without the glaze. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and toss in freshly warmed glaze.

What meat works best?

Lean ground beef is classic, but ground turkey or chicken works great for a lighter option.

Can I use a different glaze?

Definitely. Swap cranberry BBQ with grape jelly and chili sauce or use teriyaki for an Asian twist.

How do I keep the skewers from burning?

If using wooden skewers and baking again after glazing, soak them in water for 10 minutes beforehand.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you loved these Easy Mini Meatball Skewers, you might want to try these other irresistible bites from Life With Olivia:

• Taco Ranch Bites for a bold, spicy flavor in every bite.
• Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes if you want cheesy goodness in a handheld form.
• Bacon Wrapped Smokies for a sweet-savory combo everyone loves.
• Creamy Boat Dip to pair perfectly on the side.
• Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs for another crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you try ground turkey or keep it classic with beef? Did you add any special twist to the glaze?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s keep the kitchen conversation going.

For more tasty ideas, check out my daily recipe shares over on Pinterest – Life With Olivia.

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