Description
These Easy Mini Meatball Skewers are the perfect party appetizer—tender, flavorful meatballs glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry BBQ sauce, skewered for mess-free snacking. Ideal for holiday spreads, game days, and gatherings, they’re easy to make ahead and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef or turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¾ cup cranberry sauce
½ cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.
2. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to shape the mixture into mini meatballs.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Arrange meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce until smooth and heated through.
6. Remove meatballs from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour the glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat.
7. Insert wooden skewers or toothpicks into each meatball. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Don’t overmix the meat mixture—this keeps the meatballs soft and juicy.
You can prep the glaze and meatballs ahead separately and assemble before serving.
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: meatball skewers, party appetizer, cranberry BBQ, mini meatballs