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Simple Honey Garlic Cocktail Meatballs Recipe

Honey Garlic Cocktail Meatballs deliver the perfect balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and juicy tender meat—an irresistible appetizer that disappears fast at parties, holidays, and game-day gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 meatballs
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 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 chopped parsley
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, onion, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley until just mixed.
  3. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked to 165°F.
  5. In a saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, and chili flakes; simmer gently.
  6. Add cornstarch slurry and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened.
  7. Transfer cooked meatballs to the glaze, toss to coat, and simmer 2-3 minutes.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture—gentle handling keeps the meatballs tender. Keep sauce and meatballs separate when storing to prevent sogginess.