Maple Glazed Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Maple Glazed Meatballs offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that make them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. These tender meatballs coated in a rich maple glaze are easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve as appetizers or a main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or mix of beef and pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 small onion, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, finely minced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs bake, prepare the maple glaze. In a saucepan, whisk together pure maple syrup, soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan and gently toss to coat them evenly with the warm glaze.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use pure maple syrup for the best, authentic flavor—avoid artificial pancake syrups.
• For extra tenderness, try mixing ground beef with ground pork.
• Make the glaze a little ahead of time to let the flavors deepen as it rests.
• Spicy Maple Glazed Meatballs: Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for some heat.
• Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Slow Cooker Version: Cook the meatballs in a crockpot with the glaze for a hands-off approach, perfect for parties.

Storage

Store leftover glazed meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. For best results, add a little extra glaze when reheating to restore their shine and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and glaze separately ahead of time. Store the cooked meatballs and glaze in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving. They also reheat well in a slow cooker with extra glaze.

What can I serve with maple glazed meatballs?

These meatballs are versatile and pair well with fluffy rice, buttered noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. For a party, serve them with toothpicks as easy appetizers, or use them in a sub sandwich with melted cheese for a sweet and savory twist.

Maple Glazed Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 141 reviews

Maple Glazed Meatballs offer a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, featuring tender baked meatballs coated in a sticky maple syrup glaze with hints of soy sauce and mustard. This easy-to-make appetizer or main dish is perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs (serves 4-6) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or mix of beef and pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 small onion, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, finely minced onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to ensure the meatballs are tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
4. Make the Maple Glaze: While the meatballs bake, whisk together the pure maple syrup, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
5. Coat the Meatballs: Once baked, transfer the meatballs to the saucepan with the glaze. Toss them carefully to ensure each meatball is evenly coated with the sticky maple sauce.
6. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer or over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in a slow cooker with extra glaze for convenient party serving.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Serve the meatballs with rice, noodles, or with toothpicks as a party appetizer.
• Use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor; avoid artificial pancake syrups.
• For extra tenderness and flavor, combine ground beef with ground pork in the meatballs.
• The glaze can be prepared slightly ahead to deepen the flavors before coating the meatballs.

Keywords: Maple glazed meatballs, baked meatballs, party appetizer, sweet and savory meatballs, easy meatball recipe