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Best Honey BBQ Meatball Skewers: Easy Tailgate Appetizer

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These honey BBQ meatball skewers are a quick and easy tailgate appetizer that comes together in under 30 minutes. With a sweet and smoky glaze, juicy meatballs, and simple ingredients, they’re the perfect last-minute crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Wooden or metal skewers (6-inch)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, about 30 seconds.
  3. Form the mixture into 20 to 22 meatballs, using about 1.5 tablespoons each. Place them on a baking sheet or plate.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Sear the meatballs in a single layer for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown. Work in batches if needed.
  5. Transfer the seared meatballs to an oven-safe dish and keep warm in the preheated oven.
  6. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  7. Remove the meatballs from the oven. Pour the glaze over them and toss gently to coat. Let sit for 2 minutes.
  8. Thread 2 to 3 meatballs onto each skewer. Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining glaze.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, skip the Parmesan and use a dairy-free butter substitute. The glaze will thicken as it cools; if making ahead, keep glaze separate and combine just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey BBQ meatball skewers, tailgate appetizer, easy meatball recipe, honey BBQ glaze, game day food

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/best-honey-bbq-meatball-skewers-easy-tailgate-appetizer/