Easy Mini Meatball Skewers

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These Easy Mini Meatball Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Bite-sized and packed with flavor, these skewers are glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry BBQ sauce that clings to juicy meatballs for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, game day bash, or just want a fun twist for dinner, this appetizer will disappear in minutes.

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Easy Mini Meatball Skewers

The real magic of these skewers is their versatility. You can make them with homemade or store-bought meatballs, and the sauce can be customized to suit your taste—from spicy to classic cranberry. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these skewers are ideal for busy hosts who still want to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mini Meatball Skewers Recipe

This recipe is a winner because it’s:

  • Quick to prepare with simple ingredients
  • Perfect for parties, potlucks, or snacks
  • Easily adaptable for different flavor profiles
  • Kid-friendly and adult-approved
  • Great for make-ahead entertaining

What Kind of Meatballs Should I Use?

You can use your favorite frozen meatballs to keep things effortless or make your own from scratch for extra flair. Pork, beef, turkey, or even plant-based meatballs work beautifully in this dish. If making your own, consider adding a touch of garlic, onion, and parmesan for added depth.


Ingredients for the Easy Mini Meatball Skewers

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Meatballs: The base of the skewers. Choose fully cooked frozen or freshly made mini meatballs.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet-tart zing and deep red glaze.
  • BBQ Sauce: For smoky sweetness that balances the tart cranberry.
  • Brown Sugar: Enhances the glaze with rich caramel notes.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth and complexity.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses the sauce with warm, savory flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs (like parsley or rosemary): Optional, for garnish and fresh pop.

How To Make the Easy Mini Meatball Skewers

Step 1: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and bubbling. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 2: Heat the Meatballs

If using frozen meatballs, cook them according to package instructions (baking or microwaving is fine). If using homemade, ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Step 3: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Toss the cooked meatballs into the warm cranberry BBQ glaze. Stir gently to coat each one thoroughly.

Step 4: Skewer and Garnish

Insert small wooden picks or skewers into each glazed meatball. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs for a pop of color and added aroma.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm on a platter or slate board with extra glaze on the side for dipping. Enjoy the sticky, savory-sweet deliciousness!


Serving and Storing Mini Meatball Skewers

These skewers are best served warm, straight from the pan to the platter. Perfect as an appetizer, they also make a fun dinner option when paired with a simple salad or bread.

Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24 mini meatball skewers and serves 8-10 people as an appetizer.

To store leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. You can also freeze the glazed meatballs for up to 2 months—just wait to skewer until after reheating.

What to Serve With Easy Mini Meatball Skewers?

Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs

These cheesy bites pair beautifully with the tangy glaze of the skewers.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

A creamy, hearty dish that complements the sweet-savory flavor of the meatballs.

Easy Veggie Patties

A great vegetarian side that balances out the richness.

Crack Green Beans

Crispy, savory beans with a hint of bacon—a bold sidekick to these skewers.

Avocado Egg and Chickpea Salad

Fresh, protein-packed, and citrusy—an ideal light contrast.

Flaky Mile High Biscuits

Serve these fluffy, buttery biscuits alongside for scooping up extra sauce.

Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup

A warm, comforting pairing that turns this appetizer into a cozy meal.


Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these Easy Mini Meatball Skewers, you’ll definitely enjoy these other finger-food favorites:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use turkey or beef? Did you spice up the glaze or keep it classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other entertain smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and daily recipes on Nora Nosh Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites!

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Easy Mini Meatball Skewers

Easy Mini Meatball Skewers


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  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 skewers

Description

Hosting a party or craving finger food that everyone will rave about? These Easy Mini Meatball Skewers are the perfect savory-sweet appetizer that’s big on flavor and low on effort. Juicy meatballs are coated in a cranberry BBQ glaze, skewered for easy serving, and finished with a pop of fresh herbs. Ideal for your next gathering, game day snack table, or fun dinner idea, this easy recipe brings festive flavor and bold bite-sized charm. Whether you need quick appetizers, game day recipes, or dinner ideas for a crowd, this one checks every box. It’s a must-save for your collection of easy recipes!


Ingredients

24 mini meatballs (frozen or homemade, fully cooked)

1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)

3/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or rosemary (for garnish)


Instructions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.

2. Stir until smooth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Cook the meatballs according to package instructions or until fully cooked if homemade.

4. Toss the warm meatballs in the cranberry BBQ glaze until evenly coated.

5. Insert small skewers or toothpicks into each meatball.

6. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve warm with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

These skewers are perfect for make-ahead: just reheat gently and skewer before serving.

Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter twist without sacrificing flavor.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 skewers
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 460mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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