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Healthy Honey Garlic Cocktail Meatballs for Holidays

Honey Garlic Cocktail Meatballs are the perfect sweet–savory appetizer, combining juicy homemade meatballs with a sticky honey garlic glaze ready in under 45 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 -30 meatballs
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
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 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, onion, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley until just combined.
  3. Form 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake 18–20 minutes until cooked through and golden.
  5. Whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, and chili flakes in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add cornstarch slurry if desired and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened.
  7. Toss baked meatballs in the glaze and simmer 2–3 minutes.
  8. Serve warm garnished with parsley.

Notes

Avoid overmixing to maintain tender meatballs. Add cornstarch slurry for a thicker, stickier glaze with a glossy finish.