Description
These Cajun Appetizer Meatballs are a flavorful and spicy treat perfect for parties or game day snacks. Made with lean ground beef, Cajun seasoning, and a tangy peach-barbecue sauce glaze, they are easy to prepare and packed with bold Southern-inspired flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 ½ teaspoons hot pepper sauce
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup fresh bread crumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
Sauce
- ½ cup barbeque sauce
- ½ cup peach preserves
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs evenly.
- Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, hot pepper sauce, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, finely chopped onion, fresh bread crumbs, milk, and egg. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, making about 20-24 meatballs depending on size.
- Arrange for baking: Place the meatballs evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bake meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine the barbeque sauce and peach preserves in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until the preserves are melted and the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Coat meatballs with sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the warm peach-barbecue sauce over them. Gently toss to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Arrange the sauced meatballs on a serving platter and serve warm as an appetizer. They pair well with toothpicks for easy eating.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add extra hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the sauce before serving.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy contrast.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
Keywords: Cajun meatballs, appetizer meatballs, spicy meatballs, game day snacks, party appetizers, peach barbecue sauce