Craving a fun, flavorful appetizer that’s also super easy to make? These mini meatball skewers with dipping sauce are perfect for parties, snacks, or even a light meal. You’ll love how simple they are to put together and how delicious they taste!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: For a lighter option, use ground turkey or beef.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work great too, or crushed crackers for a gluten-free option.
- Eggs: Helps bind the meatballs; flax eggs can be used as a vegan substitute.
- Ketchup: Any tomato-based sauce like barbecue sauce or even pizza sauce can be a base for your dipping sauce.
- Honey: Maple syrup or brown sugar are good alternatives for sweetness.
Ingredients:
For the Mini Meatballs:
* 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
* ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
* 1 large egg
* ¼ cup milk
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* ¼ cup finely chopped onion
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Dipping Sauce:
* ½ cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Other:
* 20-25 small wooden skewers (4-6 inches)
* Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 20-25 mini meatball skewers
- Calories Per Serving (estimate): 120-150 calories (per 2 skewers with sauce)
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, small saucepan, baking sheet, large skillet or frying pan, small wooden skewers.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Mini Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly. You should get about 20-25 mini meatballs.
3. Cook the Mini Meatballs
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them frequently, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. You can also bake them on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
4. Prepare the Dipping Sauce
While the meatballs are cooking, combine all the dipping sauce ingredients (ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using) in a small saucepan. Whisk until well combined. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Assemble the Skewers
Carefully thread 1-2 cooked mini meatballs onto each small wooden skewer. Arrange them on a platter for serving.
6. Serve with Dipping Sauce
Pour the warm dipping sauce into a small bowl for serving alongside your mini meatball skewers. Enjoy this delightful appetizer!
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover mini meatball skewers and dipping sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the meatballs gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make these mini meatball skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the meatballs and prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately and assemble just before serving. - What if I don’t have small wooden skewers?
You can serve the mini meatballs directly from a platter with the dipping sauce on the side, or use toothpicks. - How can I make the dipping sauce spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dipping sauce for extra heat. - Are these mini meatball skewers freezer-friendly?
Yes, cooked mini meatballs can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. The sauce also freezes well. - What sides go well with mini meatball skewers?
These are fantastic on their own as an appetizer, but they also pair well with a simple green salad, rice, or steamed vegetables for a light meal.