Go Back

Healthy Honey Garlic Cocktail Meatballs Recipe

These Honey Garlic Cocktail Meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in an irresistible sweet-savory honey garlic glaze—perfect for game days, parties, or any gathering where you need an addictive crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 -26 meatballs
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 105
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 90% lean
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, onion, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley; mix gently.
  3. Form into 1-inch meatballs (24–26 total).
  4. Bake 18–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  5. In a saucepan, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, and chili flakes; simmer.
  6. Add cornstarch slurry if a thicker glaze is desired.
  7. Toss baked meatballs in glaze and simmer 2–3 minutes.
  8. Serve warm with parsley garnish and toothpicks.

Notes

Mix meat gently to avoid dense meatballs and allow them to rest in the glaze for a few minutes to help the sauce cling beautifully.