Maple-Glazed Party Meatballs

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Maple-Glazed Party Meatballs.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C) and lining a sheet pan with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.

2. Step 2

   In a trusty 10-inch nonstick skillet, warm up some olive oil over medium heat.

3. Step 3

   Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook until it softens, which should take about 2 minutes.

4. Step 4

   Then, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute until your kitchen is filled with that delightful aroma.

5. Step 5

   Once that’s done, take the skillet off the heat and set it aside.

6. Step 6

   Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the hot Italian sausage, ground beef, Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, chopped bacon, a beaten egg, salt, pepper, and the fragrant onion and garlic mixture you just made.

7. Step 7

   Get in there with your hands and mix everything together until it’s well blended—this is where the magic happens! Next, shape the mixture into about 14 meatballs, each roughly the size of a golf ball, and place them on your prepared sheet pan.

8. Step 8

   Pop those meatballs into the oven and let them bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

9. Step 9

   You’ll know they’re ready when they’re no longer pink in the center, and an instant-read thermometer shows 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the middle of one.

10. Step 10

    While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to whip up a delicious maple glaze.

11. Step 11

    In another 10-inch nonstick skillet, mix together water, maple syrup, soup base, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

12. Step 12

    Bring this sweet and spicy concoction to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat slightly and let it simmer until it reduces by half, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.

13. Step 13

    Once your glaze has thickened beautifully, take it off the heat and let it cool for a moment.

14. Step 14

    Use a rubber spatula to scrape down any syrup that clings to the sides of the skillet and stir it back into the glaze for that perfect finish.

15. Step 15

    When the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a serving dish and generously drizzle the maple glaze over each one.

16. Step 16

    If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top for that added crunch.

17. Step 17

    Serve them warm with toothpicks for easy snacking, and watch as everyone gathers around to enjoy these flavorful bites!.