Welcome to one of my most-requested recipes—Honey-Glazed Meatballs. These little bites of deliciousness combine the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a touch of warmth from spices. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for a party, or whipping them up for a midweek dinner, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s quick to prepare but full of flavor, this is it! Imagine perfectly tender meatballs drenched in a sticky, sweet glaze with just the right amount of tang from the honey. Yes, it’s every bit as scrumptious as it sounds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: The meatballs come together in just a few minutes, and the glaze is a simple mix of pantry staples.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a party appetizer, these meatballs fit any event!
- Kid-Friendly: Sweet, tangy, and mild enough for even picky eaters—your kids will love them!
- Customizable: You can easily tailor the meatballs with your favorite spices, or switch up the glaze for different flavors.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can mix pork or turkey for variety)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for a crispier texture!)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup (trust me, this gives a subtle umami kick)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for those who like a little kick)
Pro Tip:
If you’re out of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or even oats! And if you want to cut back on sugar, consider swapping half the honey for maple syrup for a more subtle sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, ginger, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a fork to mix everything well without overworking the meat.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch balls and place them onto your prepared baking sheet. You should have around 20-24 meatballs.
- Bake: Pop the meatballs into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, until they’re nicely browned and cooked through.
- Make the glaze: While the meatballs are baking, mix the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and sriracha (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Coat the meatballs: Once the meatballs are done cooking, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the honey glaze over. Toss gently until all the meatballs are evenly coated.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t over-mix: When forming the meatballs, the less you handle the meat mixture, the more tender your meatballs will be.
- Stir the glaze frequently: Honey can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it and stir frequently to prevent scorching.
- Freezing option: You can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just bake them from frozen when ready, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cook time!
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Variations:
- Want to make this dish gluten-free? Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones and use tamari instead of soy sauce!
- Love a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of extra sriracha to the glaze.
Looking for a meal idea? Serve these honey-glazed meatballs alongside a fluffy bowl of jasmine rice or over a simple cabbage slaw for a balanced meal. They also make an amazing appetizer for gatherings—just pop in toothpicks and watch them disappear!
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! The meatballs can be baked and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave, then toss them with the glaze before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! These meatballs freeze beautifully. You can freeze them either before or after baking. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the meatballs?
You can reheat them in the microwave for convenience, or toss them in a skillet with a little bit of water to bring back moisture while heating.
Honey-Glazed Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well but don’t overwork the meat.
- Shape meat into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- While meatballs bake, prepare the glaze. Combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and sriracha in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Toss cooked meatballs in the honey glaze and serve warm.
There you have it—a delicious and easy Honey-Glazed Meatball recipe that’s sure to make dinnertime more exciting! If you give this recipe a try, I’d love
