Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make meatball skewers appetizers with your family and friends!
Meatball skewers appetizers are an excellent choice when you are looking to serve a tasty and satisfying snack that is sure to please a crowd. They are quick and easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion where you want to offer your guests a delicious and enjoyable finger food.
If you’re looking for some more appetizers recipes, check out my chicken rolls, mushroom salad and my favorite cheese puff pastry pinwheels.
Perfect party appetizers
Meatball skewers appetizers are versatile and can be served for a variety of occasions, including:
Parties and gatherings: Meatball skewers make a wonderful finger food for birthdays, game days, or holiday celebrations. Combine store-bought meatballs with red onions, red peppers, and green bell peppers on bamboo or metal skewers. For an added benefit, marinate them in olive oil, barbecue sauce, and a bit of brown sugar. Air fry at medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown and juicy.
Appetizer platters: Include meatball skewers as part of a platter with cheese and crackers, vegetables and dip, or charcuterie. They’re easy to transport and serve at room temperature, making them perfect for potlucks and picnics.
Potlucks and picnics: Meatball skewers can be a great addition to a potluck or picnic, where you can easily transport them and serve them cold or at room temperature.
Cocktail hour and family dinners: Meatball skewers are also great for cocktail hours or family dinners. They’re interactive and fun, especially if you have kids who enjoy eating off skewers. You can use wooden skewers or try new skewers recipes with a variety of ingredients.
Family dinners: Meatball skewers can be a fun and interactive way to enjoy a family dinner, especially if you have kids who enjoy eating food off of skewers.
Whether you’re preparing for a special event or a cozy family dinner, meatball skewers are an easy recipe that’s sure to please. Enjoy experimenting with these simple ingredients and make your next gathering a hit!
This was inspired by my other party favorites: Cheese puff pastry on this site, and pairs well with this Ginger honey lemonade.
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Reasons why meatballs are perfect Party appetizers
Here’s why meatballs are perfect party appetizers:
Easy to Make: Meatballs are a breeze to prepare, especially with simple ingredients like ground beef or Italian turkey meatballs. Just combine your meatball ingredients in a large mixing bowl, mix in some Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and green onions, and you're set. For a great recipe, try using wooden skewers or bamboo skewers to make Italian meatball skewers. You can even use an air fryer to cook them in just 8-10 minutes at medium-high heat until they're golden brown and juicy.
Easy to Serve: Once your meatballs are ready, arrange them on a cookie sheet or platter. This makes them easy to serve, and your guests can help themselves, giving you more time to socialize and enjoy the party. They’re perfect as party food that doesn't require much fuss.
3. Can Be Made in Advance: One of the added benefits of meatballs is that they can be prepared ahead of time. Simply make them, let them cool to room temperature, and then reheat when it's time to serve. This makes them a convenient choice for gatherings and events.
Crowd-Pleaser: Meatballs are a surefire way to please your guests. Nearly everyone loves them, whether they're beef meatballs, Italian meatball kabobs, or even sour meatball skewers with a tangy sour sauce. They’re sure to be a hit!
Versatile: You can mix up your meatball recipes to suit any taste. Use a medium bowl to combine different meats and spices, or try adding pineapple chunks and bacon slices for a sweet and savory twist. You can also make them with store-bought meatballs or create your own from scratch with new recipes.
Portable: For a party atmosphere, meatballs on skewers are incredibly portable. Use metal or wooden skewers to make them easy to pick up and eat on the go. They're perfect for mingling and snacking without needing a lot of plates or utensils.
Whether you’re serving them with marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, or a touch of apricot jam, meatballs are a delicious, versatile choice that will keep your party guests satisfied.
Ingredients you will need for meatball appetizers
Here are the ingredients you will need for meatball skewers appetizers:
For meatballs
- Ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Eggs
- Bread crumbs or soaked bread
- Milk
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Oil for frying
Meatball skewers
- Mini meatballs
- Cherry tomatoes
- Bocconcini cheese
Platter decoration
- black olives
- sliced pickles
- pickled artichoke hearts
- dill
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions to make meatball appetizers
Prepare meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs - Start by combining your meatball ingredients in a large bowl. For a great recipe, mix ground beef with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. If you’re using Italian turkey meatballs, you can follow a similar process but adjust the seasoning slightly.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs - Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You can use this time to get creative with your meatball sizes if you like, but uniform pieces are easier to cook evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs - For a delicious end result, you can either air fry the meatballs or fry them in a large pan. If using an air fryer, lightly coat the meatballs with olive oil and cook at medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown and juicy. If frying in a pan, heat some oil and cook the meatballs until they’re browned and cooked through. Then, let them cool on a plate covered with paper towels.
Assemble meatball skewers
Thread the meatballs, cherry tomatoes, and bocconcini cheese onto the skewers, alternating between the ingredients.
Plate meatball skewers
Serve the skewers on a platter and garnish with additional black olives, pickled artichoke hearts, sliced pickles and garnish with dill or parsley if desired.
Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make meatball skewers appetizers with your family and friends!
Substitutions
If you're looking to mix things up with your meatball skewers appetizers, there are plenty of substitutions you can try to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some great ideas:
Vegetarian Option: Swap out beef meatballs for vegetarian meatballs made from soy, lentils, or other plant-based proteins. These can be a delicious alternative and still work well on bamboo or wooden skewers.
Vegan Option: For a vegan twist, use vegan meatballs and skip the mozzarella cheese. Instead, opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative. This will keep your skewers delicious while fitting vegan dietary restrictions.
Chicken Option:Try mini chicken meatballs instead of beef or pork. Chicken meatballs can be seasoned with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of brown sugar for a different but tasty flavor.
Fish Option: Mini salmon or tuna meatballs can make a delightful and unique alternative. They’re a great way to incorporate fish into your skewers and work wonderfully with simple ingredients like olive oil and red onions.
Vegetable Option: If you prefer a veggie-centric skewer, consider using grilled or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. You can also add marinated mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and variety.
Cheese Option: For a cheese lover's treat, use cubed or sliced cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or feta, in place of meatballs. Skewer them with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a colorful and tasty appetizer that pairs wonderfully with barbecue sauce or a sour sauce.
Variations of meatball appetizers
Here are some fun and flavorful variations for your meatball skewers appetizers, perfect for adding variety to your menu:
- Asian-Inspired: Glaze your meatballs with teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for a delicious twist. Skewer them with pineapple chunks and green onions on bamboo skewers for a sweet and savory combo. For extra flair, use a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce.
- Italian-Inspired: For a classic Italian touch, use mozzarella cheese instead of bocconcini and skewer the meatballs with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of juicy meatballs with the rich flavors of Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese will make for a delectable bite.
- Greek-Inspired:Try Greek-inspired meatball skewers by using feta cheese and skewer the meatballs with cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, and Kalamata olives. Serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping for a refreshing and savory appetizer.
- Mexican-Inspired: Mix ground beef with chorizo sausage for a spicy twist on your meatballs. Skewer them with mini peppers and red onions, and serve with a chipotle mayo dipping sauce for a zesty kick.
- Mediterranean-Inspired: For a Mediterranean flair, use ground lamb instead of beef or pork. Skewer the meatballs with cherry tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and grilled eggplant. Pair them with a lemon-garlic yogurt sauce for a tangy, flavorful experience.
- Breakfast-Inspired:Transform your skewers into a fun breakfast treat by using mini breakfast sausage meatballs. Skewer them with mini pancakes or waffles and serve with maple syrup for dipping. It’s a playful and delicious way to enjoy breakfast flavors.
- Surf and Turf-Inspired: Combine beef or pork meatballs with grilled shrimp on metal skewers for a surf and turf option. Add cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor, and serve with a garlic butter dipping sauce for a decadent touch.
Equipment
To make meatball skewers appetizers, you will need the following equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Skewers (either metal or wooden, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to use to prevent burning)
- Frying pan or griddle
- Tongs
- Serving platter or plate
Optional equipment:
- Food processor or blender (if making homemade meatballs and need to blend ingredients)
- Ice cream scoop or cookie scoop (to ensure uniform size and shape of meatballs)
- Grill (if grilling the meatballs instead of frying)
Storage
Refrigerator
- Cool First: Allow the meatball skewers to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer: Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer
- Cool First: Let the meatballs cool completely.
- Freeze: Put the meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Store: They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw: When you’re ready to serve, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat: Warm them up in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Top tips to make meatball appetizers
- Mix Gently: Combine the meatball ingredients, like ground beef or Italian turkey meatballs, just until everything is mixed. Avoid overworking the mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Blend Meats: For more flavorful and moist meatballs, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
- Uniform Size: Shape your meatballs into 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly, whether you're using bamboo skewers, wooden skewers, or metal skewers.
- Season Well: Add extra herbs or seasonings to the meat mixture, such as Italian seasoning or green onions, to customize your flavor.
- Quality Ingredients: Use ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil for the best taste and presentation.
- Beautiful Presentation: Arrange your skewers on a platter with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a stunning display.
- Prep Ahead: Save time by making the meatballs in advance. Assemble the skewers just before serving to keep them fresh and ready for your party!
FAQ
Absolutely! Making meatballs ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time on party day. Once you've cooked your meatballs, whether using store-bought meatballs or your own beef meatballs or Italian turkey meatballs, let them cool to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through.
Yes, turkey meatballs are a great alternative to beef or pork. They’re a bit healthier and can be just as tasty. Just be sure to adjust the cook time and seasoning slightly since turkey is leaner. Using ground turkey with a bit higher fat content (around 7-10%) helps keep them juicy.
Making gluten-free meatballs is simple! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with gluten-free oats. Also, check your seasonings to make sure they’re gluten-free. Cook your meatballs in a separate pan to avoid any cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients. With these tweaks, you can enjoy flavorful meatballs that everyone can enjoy!
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Recipe
Meatball appetizers
Equipment
Ingredients
- mini meatballs
- cherry tomatoes
- bocconcini cheese
- sliced black olives
- pickled cucumber slices
- pickled artichoke hearts
- fresh dill
Instructions
- Assemble each skewer alternating meatballs, tomatoes and bocconcini cheese.
- Arrange skewers on a plate.
- Decorate in between with sliced black olives, picked cucumber slices, pickled artichoke hearts and fresh dill.
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