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Barbecue Meatballs Appetizer

In a nutshell: Juicy barbecue seasoned meatballs are bathed in sweet honey barbecue sauce.

Ok. Ok. Meatballs? For Thanksgiving? In barbecue sauce?!? Yes, I know it’s unusual — for Thanksgiving or otherwise. But these are seriously good — and they are just right for pre-big Thanksgiving dinner munching.

Making these is simple and can be done a day or two in advance. Prepare the whole dish as directed, and then chill then in the fridge until ready to use. They’ll just need a quick reheating before serving (recommended: stovetop), and they’re ready to go.

See, I promised you simple. You can’t beat a dish that can be made well in advance.

Why not try something a little different this holiday?

Barbecue Meatballs Appetizer

Barbecue Meatballs Appetizer

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp barbecue seasoning, (I use McCormick Grill Mates)
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, barbecue seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. Then form into small (about 1-inch diameter) meatballs. Place onto a nonstick baking sheet.
  3. Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes, flip and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, until cooked through.
  4. Meanwhile, warm the barbecue sauce in a medium sauce pan. Add the meatballs and toss to coat. Serve hot with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

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Heather

Saturday 11th of May 2013

I see it says it yields 4 servings. How many actual meatballs? I'm thinking of making these for my daughter's polka dot birthday party, where I will have about 24 guests (adults and children).

Sarah W. Caron

Monday 13th of May 2013

Hi Heather, a batch makes about 20-24 one-inch meatballs. Good luck!

Kate

Friday 16th of November 2012

Our Thanksgiving appetizers are very cheese based. This would be a great addition.

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