Easy Cocktail Meatballs with Creamy Mustard Sauce
If you need an appetizer for a party, don’t overthink it. Everybody loves meatballs, so meatballs are what you should make.
Cocktail Meatballs
These Cocktail Meatballs are both no-frills AND full of flavor and yes, that is possible. The meat is combined with both fresh and dried herbs for huge depth of flavor, and a spoonful of horseradish adds a kick that balances the rich flavors so well.
Don’t sleep on the dipping sauce. It’s only three ingredients, but the combination of Greek yogurt, grainy mustard and fresh chives add a special touch to this simple dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Cocktail Meatballs
- Easy to prepare but still packed with flavor.
- Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, main course or snack.
Cocktail Meatballs Recipe Ingredients
- ground beef – the hearty and flavorful base of the meatballs.
- parsley – adds freshness and a subtle herbal flavor.
- horseradish – adds a slightly spicy kick and depth of flavor.
- garlic and onion powder – enhances the overall savory taste without adding too much moisture.
- dried basil – provides a hint of sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Greek yogurt – the creamy base of the dipping sauce.
- whole grain mustard – adds a robust mustard flavor and a little crunch from the whole mustard seeds.
- chives – adds a mild onion flavor and fresh color to the sauce.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox.
How to Make Cocktail Meatballs
- MIX AND FORM. In a large bowl, mix together the beef, parsley, horseradish, garlic powder, onion powder and basil. Using your hands, gently form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a large baking pan.
- BAKE. Transfer to the oven and bake until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160 degrees F.
- SAUCE. While the meatballs are baking, stir together the yogurt, mustard and chives to make the sauce. Serve the meatballs with the sauce.
What Goes With Cocktail Meatballs?
While these meatballs are fantastic on their own, I’m of the belief that it’s not a party without a dipping sauce. I just stirred together some creamy Greek yogurt, whole grain mustard and chopped chives and I was good to go!
Cocktail Meatballs Recipe FAQs
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture, as this can result in dense and tough meatballs. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
A good rule of thumb for 1-inch size meatballs is about 4 to 5 meatballs per person as an appetizer, or 8 to 10 per person as a main course.
Rubbery meatballs are usually due to overmixing the meat mixture. Be gentle when combining the ingredients.
The best size for cocktail meatballs is about 1 inch in diameter. This is an easy size to serve and eat for appetizers.
Yes, if you’d like to prepare these meatballs in advance and freeze them, you can. Fully cook the meatballs, freeze them, and then reheat them from frozen in the oven or a slow cooker with a bit of broth in the bottom.
More Foxes Love Lemons Favorites
Best Cocktail Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Snappy Cocktail Meatballs:
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
For the Creamy Mustard Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
Make the Snappy Cocktail Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 375 degres F. In large bowl, combine beef, parsley, horseradish, garlic powder, onion powder and basil. Stir (or mix with hands) until just combined. Do not overmix. Using hands, gently form into 1-inch balls and place on large baking pan.
- Bake meatballs 14 to 16 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
Make Creamy Mustard Sauce:
- In small bowl, stir together yogurt, mustard and chives. Serve meatballs with sauce.
Notes
- The best size for cocktail meatballs is about 1 inch in diameter. This is an easy size to serve and eat for appetizers.
These meatballs look amazing! I can’t believe I have never tried making meatballs before!!
Say what?!? Come on over, we’ll have a meatball-making PARTY!
Having eaten these last night I can attest to the deliciousness of the meatballs. However, the sauce is where it is at! I put it on the meatballs, dipped my greenbeans in it, and even slapped some on some bread. Amazingly tasty, healthy, and easy to whip up.
Who knew a three ingredient sauce could make a husband so happy?