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Honey Glazed Meatballs: Easy Sweet and Savory Party Recipe

honey glazed meatballs - featured image

Sticky, golden, and bursting with flavor, these honey glazed meatballs are the perfect sweet and savory party appetizer or weeknight dinner. Tender meatballs are baked and tossed in a glossy honey glaze for a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken for a lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated onion
  • 2 tbsp milk (any kind)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Thinly sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated onion, milk, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Mix until just combined.
  3. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls (about 1 to 1.25 inches in diameter). Place evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
  5. While meatballs bake, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often, for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
  6. Remove meatballs from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour the hot glaze over the meatballs and gently toss until coated.
  7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk. To make ahead, bake meatballs a day in advance and glaze before serving. For extra spice, add more chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze. Freeze baked, unglazed meatballs for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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