Easy BBQ Cocktail Meatballs Recipe

Published Dec 7, 2023 By Elle Ann

Image credit: Laura in the Kitchen via YouTube

Your party will be one to remember when you serve this BBQ cocktail meatballs to the table, this is a great appetizer that will surely put your guests in the mood and condition them for the next dishes that you’re about to showcase. This is a very simple and easy-to-make dish that your guests will surely keep coming back to for more servings.

These meatballs are not only perfect for parties or the holidays but also for an ordinary mealtime with the family. This is also a great dish to bring for a potluck or gathering, and it will surely be gone in just a few minutes, it’s that good! You can learn the step-by-step instructions written down below and while you’re at it be sure to check out this video tutorial by Laura in the Kitchen on YouTube as well.

Ingredients for BBQ Cocktail Meatballs:

Boule (round French bread), optional

Meatballs

1 pound of ground beef, 85/15
10 Ritz crackers, finely crushed
2 cloves of garlic, minced or grated
2 tbsp of finely chopped parsley
2 tbsp of garlic and herb seasoning
A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce
1 egg
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
A drizzle of olive oil

Sauce

¾ cup of spicy-sweet BBQ sauce
¼ cup of Thai sweet chili sauce
A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp of grape jelly
1 jalapeno, thinly sliced

How to Make BBQ Cocktail Meatballs:

Step 1

Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl, then crush the crackers over the meat, and add the egg, garlic and herb seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix everything until well combined, then form the mixture into small balls, and place them on a plate. Heat some oil in a Dutch oven, then sear the meatballs in batches to not overcrowd the pan, and prepare the sauce while waiting for them to cook.

Easy Party Appetizer Recipe Idea — Image credit: Laura in the Kitchen via YouTube

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Step 2

In a large bowl, add the BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, grape jelly, and jalapeno, then give them a good mix until uniform and combined, and set the sauce aside. Put all of the seared meatballs back into the pot, then pour in the prepared sauce, and gently move them around until they are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 3

Make sure to not move the balls too much so they don’t break apart, then leave them to simmer for as long as you like or until the desired sauce consistency, the longer they simmer the better. Cut the top off the bread, then remove the insides, and scoop the meatballs including the sauce into the bread shell. Serve and enjoy!