Meatball Appetisers: 10 Delicious Recipes to Satisfy Any Palate

Meatballs have been a beloved appetiser for generations and continue to be a staple at parties and gatherings. These little bites are exceptional for being crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.

Meatballs are a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetiser that can be made with endless possibilities and flavours, making them perfect for catering to different dietary preferences. From traditional Italian meatballs to vegetarian options, you’ll find a recipe for every palate and occasion.

So, if you are ready to take your appetiser game to the next level, get ready to be introduced to 10 recipes for some of the most delicious and easy-to-make meatball appetisers. Get your bowls ready, and let’s start cooking!

Italian Meatballs (Polpette)

Polpette, or Italian meatballs, is a popular appetiser made with a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. It is a juicy and tasty dish, loaded with savoury flavour and perfectly tender on the inside. It is also a versatile appetiser that can be served with various dips and sauces, making it perfect for any occasion. 

Here’s a simple Italian meatball appetisers recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg ground beef
•  1/2 cup breadcrumbs
•  1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
•  1/4 cup milk
•  1 egg
•  2 cloves garlic, minced
•  1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
•  1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
•  Salt and black pepper to taste
•  1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
•  2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. 
2.  Roll the mixture into small balls.
3.  In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. 
4.  Add the meatballs and cook for about 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
5.  Preheat the oven to 190°C.
6.  Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
7.  Remove the meatballs from the oven, garnish with additional chopped herbs if desired, and serve hot. 

Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

Greek meatballs, or keftedes, are a delicious and satisfying appetiser known for their delicious combination of flavours. These little bites are typically made with ground beef or lamb, mixed with flavorful herbs and spices, and they’re perfect for any occasion. 

Here’s the recipe for Greek meatball appetisers:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg ground beef or lamb
•  1 onion, finely chopped
•  2 garlic cloves, minced
•  1/2 cup breadcrumbs
•  2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
•  1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
•  1 teaspoon dried oregano
•  Salt and black pepper to taste
•  1 egg, beaten
•  Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, mint, oregano, salt, pepper, and egg in a large mixing bowl.
2.  Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
3.  Roll the mixture into small balls.
4.  In a frying pan, heat oil and add the meatballs in batches.
5.  Fry the meatballs for 5 to 7 minutes until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
6.  Drain any excess oil by moving the meatballs to a plate lined with a paper towel.
7.  Garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm. 

Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs

As the name suggests, bacon-wrapped meatballs consist of ground meat wrapped in turkey bacon, which adds a delicious salty crunch to every bite. It is one of the most irresistible meatball appetisers that will keep you coming back for more.

Here’s how to make delicious bacon-wrapped meatball appetisers: 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg lean ground beef
•  1/2 cup breadcrumbs
•  1 egg
•  1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
•  1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
•  1 teaspoon garlic powder
•  Salt and black pepper to taste
•  8 rashers of turkey bacon

Instructions:

1. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl, and mix everything well with your hands.
2.  Divide the mixture into 16 equal portions, then roll each portion into a ball.
3.  Cut each rasher of turkey bacon in half crosswise.
4.  Wrap each meatball with a half-rasher of turkey bacon, tucking the ends underneath the meatball to secure them.
5.  Preheat the oven to 180°C.
6.  Place the wrapped meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
7.  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through, and the bacon is crispy.
8.  Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce. 

Spanish Meatballs (Albondigas)

Spanish meatballs, also known as “albondigas,” are an absolute delight for the senses. They are a staple of Spanish cuisine and can be served as an appetiser or a main dish. Albondigas consist of meatballs cooked in a rich and flavourful tomato-based sauce. They’re easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.

Here’s a recipe for Albondigas, or Spanish meatball appetisers: 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg ground beef
•  1/2 cup breadcrumbs
•  1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
•  1 egg
•  2 cloves garlic, minced
•  1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•  1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
•  1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
•  1/4 cup parsley, chopped
•  1 can diced tomatoes
•  1 cup chicken broth
•  1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and parsley in a large bowl. 
2.  Roll the mixture into small balls.
3.  Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 
4.  Add the meatballs and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned on all sides.
5.  Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
6.  Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7.  Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon the tomato mixture over the top.
8.  Cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through, and the sauce thickens.
9.  Remove the meatballs from the heat, garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve hot. 

Moroccan Meatballs

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3NbrdzftLY

Get ready to take your taste buds on a journey to Morocco with these delicious and aromatic meatballs. The aroma of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika will tantalise your senses with every bite. 

Here’s how to make tasty Moroccan meatball appetisers:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg minced beef
•  1 onion, finely chopped
•  2 garlic cloves, minced
•  1 teaspoon ground cumin
•  1 teaspoon ground coriander
•  1 teaspoon smoked paprika
•  1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•  1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
•  1 egg, beaten
•  50g breadcrumbs
•  Salt and black pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
•  3 garlic cloves, minced
•  1 teaspoon ground cumin
•  1 teaspoon ground coriander
•  1 teaspoon smoked paprika
•  Pinch of cayenne pepper
•  Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the minced beef, onion, garlic, spices, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined. 
2.  Use your hands to form the mixture into small balls.
3.  Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the meatballs for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. 
4.  Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
5.  In the same pan, add the chopped tomatoes, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. 
6.  Stir well and bring to a simmer. 
7.  Let the sauce cook for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens.
8.  Add the meatballs back to the pan with the sauce and stir gently to coat them in the sauce. 
9.  Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
10.  Garnish with fresh chopped coriander or parsley, if desired, and serve hot. 

Teriyaki Meatballs

Teriyaki meatballs are a delicious appetiser that combines savoury meatballs with the sweet and tangy flavours of Japanese teriyaki sauce. They are versatile and can be served hot or cold, making them a perfect addition to any party or get-together.

Here’s how to make teriyaki meatball appetisers from scratch:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg ground beef
•  1/2 cup breadcrumbs
•  1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
•  1 egg
•  2 cloves garlic, minced
•  1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
•  1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•  1/4 cup soy sauce
•  1/4 cup brown sugar
•  2 tablespoons rice vinegar
•  1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
•  1 tablespoon cornstarch
•  2 tablespoons cold water
•  Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a large bowl. 
2.  Roll the mixture into small balls.
3.  Preheat the oven to 190°C.
4.  Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through.
5.  While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the teriyaki sauce by combining the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. 
6.  Heat the mixture over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
7.  Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, then add the mixture to the saucepan and stir well to combine.
8.  Cook the teriyaki sauce for about 2 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.
9.  Remove the meatballs from the oven and toss them in the teriyaki sauce until they are evenly coated.
10.  Arrange the meatballs on a platter and sprinkle them with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish. Serve hot or cold as desired.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Experience an explosion of flavour with each bite of mozzarella-stuffed meatballs! These tasty meatballs feature a crispy exterior and a molten centre of mozzarella cheese. They’re a fun and easy way to add an Italian flair to your table. 

Here’s how to make mozzarella-stuffed meatball appetisers easily: 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg ground beef
•  1/2 cup breadcrumbs
•  1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
•  1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
•  2 cloves garlic, minced
•  Salt and black pepper to taste
•  1 egg
•  1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
•  2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, and egg in a large bowl. 
2.  Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it into a disc in the palm of your hand.
3.  Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the centre of the disc, then roll the meat around the cheese to form a ball. 
4.  Repeat with the remaining meat mixture.
5.  Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 
6.  Add the meatballs and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned on all sides.
7.  Preheat the oven to 190°C, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8.  Transfer the meatballs to the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through.
9.  Remove the mozzarella-stuffed meatballs from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, and serve hot with a side of a dipping sauce if desired.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Even the most devoted chicken lovers can enjoy the classic meatball experience with these Buffalo chicken meatballs. Inspired by the classic flavours of buffalo chicken wings, these meatballs combine chicken with the spicy kick of hot sauce and seasonings. The result is delicious meatballs with a crispy exterior, a tender interior, and a heavenly taste.

Here’s a simple recipe to make buffalo chicken meatball appetisers: 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg ground chicken
•  1/2 cup breadcrumbs
•  1/4 cup milk
•  1/4 cup hot sauce
•  1 teaspoon garlic powder
•  1 teaspoon onion powder
•  Salt and black pepper to taste
•  1 egg
•  2 tablespoons butter, melted
•  Blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving

Instructions:

1. Combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and egg in a large bowl. 
2.  Roll the mixture into small balls.
3.  Preheat the oven to 200°C, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4.  Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through.
5.  Mix the melted butter and the hot sauce in a small bowl. 
6.  Brush the mixture over the cooked meatballs after removing them from the oven.
7.  Serve the buffalo chicken meatballs hot with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

What do you think about meatballs flavoured with traditional Chinese spices and coated with sweet and sour sauce? The tangy sweetness of the sauce combined with the savoury meatballs will leave your taste buds begging for more. Indulge in a symphony of flavours with every bite of these sweet and sour meatballs that are perfect for any occasion.

Here’s how to make the perfect sweet and sour meatball appetisers:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg ground turkey
•  1 egg
•  1/2 cup breadcrumbs
•  1 tablespoon grated ginger
•  2 garlic cloves, minced
•  2 tablespoons soy sauce
•  2 tablespoons vegetable oil
•  1/2 cup pineapple juice
•  1/4 cup vinegar
•  1/2 cup brown sugar
•  2 tablespoons cornstarch
•  1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce in a large bowl. 
2.  Roll the mixture into small balls.
3.  Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. 
4.  Add the meatballs and cook them until browned on all sides.
5.  Move the meatballs to a baking dish and set aside.
6.  Preheat the oven to 180°C.
7.  In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
8.  Pour the sauce over the meatballs and bake for 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and thick and the meatballs are fully cooked.
9.  Remove from the oven and serve hot with toothpicks.

Vegetarian Meatballs

Meatballs have always been a crowd-pleaser, and with vegetarian options available, there’s no reason for anyone to miss out on the delightful experience. So, even vegans can indulge in the deliciousness of meatballs without compromising their dietary choices. 

Here’s a simple recipe for vegetarian meatball appetisers:

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
•  1/2 cup breadcrumbs
•  1/4 cup grated vegan Parmesan cheese
•  1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
•  1 tablespoon olive oil
•  1 teaspoon garlic powder
•  Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Pulse the chickpeas in a food processor until they are broken down but still have some texture.
2.  Combine the pulsed chickpeas with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. 
3.  Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
4.  Preheat your oven to 190°C, and place a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5.  Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on the sheet.
6.  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7.  Take the meatballs out of the oven and serve hot with a dipping sauce if desired.

Get Creative with Your Own Meatball Recipes

Whether you’re hosting a big party, looking for a quick snack, or preparing a special family dinner, meatball appetisers are always a great choice. And there you have it, a delicious collection of meatball appetiser recipes that will tantalise your taste buds. 

Remember that these recipes are just the tip of the iceberg. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can come up with your own unique flavour combinations and cooking techniques. You can even make dairy-free meatballs to cater to different dietary needs.

If you liked these appetisers, check out our website for a wide variety of appetiser recipes, including cold vegetarian appetisers and dairy-free appetisers for specific dietary preferences. 

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