55 minutes

4.56 from 9 votes

Pomegranate Cocktail Meatballs

Name: Pomegranate Cocktail Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (lean); ½ cup breadcrumbs (I used Panko breadcrumbs); 1 large egg; ¼ cup parsley (chopped); 4 green onions (chopped); 1 tsp cumin (ground); ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion (chopped); 1 ½ cups pomegranate juice; 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup, or agave syrup); 1 tsp balsamic vinegar; ½ tsp allspice; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 3 green onions (chopped); ¼ cup pomegranate seeds

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by: Joanna Cismaru

11.01.19

Updated: 10.02.20

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These Pomegranate Cocktail Meatballs are your answer to the perfect party appetizer. Plump, delicious meatballs are baked then tossed with an incredible pomegranate glaze. The perfect cocktail meatballs.

Overhead shot of Pomegranate Cocktail Meatballs in a pan

Have you ever had meatballs with a pomegranate glaze before? They are the flavor bomb. Seriously! You take a bite and a burst of flavor explosions happens. You know the saying “party in my mouth”, well that’s what happens.

Ingredients

Meatballs

Ground beef – Use lean or regular, any kind you’d like, though the more fat in the meat the juicier your meatballs will be.
Onion – Be sure to use green onion today! Chopped up thin.
Breadcrumbs – I used panko but you can substitute it for any breadcrumbs you have on hand.
Egg – You’ll need one large as the binding agent in the meatballs.
Seasoning – Salt and pepper to taste.
Spices – We’re just using cumin today!
Parsley – Chopped fresh and incorporated into our meatballs for lots of herby freshness.

Glaze

Olive oil – We want something neutral tasting and light to form the base of our sauce.
Onion – 1 small white or yellow onion chopped up fine.
Liquids – Pomegranate juice, honey, and balsamic vinegar.
Spices – All spice is what we’re using to round out all those super sweet and super bright flavors going on in our glaze. If you can’t get a hold of all spice I’ll include instructions below on how to substitute it with stuff in your pantry.
Seasoning – Salt and pepper.

Don’t Have All Spice On Hand?

Well no fear! You can make it just as easily yourself right in your own kitchen. Just combine these ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon clove
A pinch of nutmeg

How To Make Pomegranate Cocktail Meatballs

Meatballs:

Preheat your oven: To 400 F degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Assemble the meatballs: In a large bowl combine all the meatball ingredients together. Form the meat mixture into large size meatballs. You should end up with about 15 large meatballs.
Bake the meatballs: Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until done to your liking.

Pomegranate glaze:

Soften the onions: Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Make the glaze: Add the rest of the glaze ingredients to the saucepan, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue cooking for about 15 to 20 minutes until it reduces to about 1/2 a cup and it slightly thickens.
Finish the dish: Place the meatballs into a bowl and pour the glaze over the meatballs, then toss making sure all the meatballs are covered in the glaze. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and green onions.

Can I Fry My Meatballs?

Yes! Heat about a tbsp of oil in a skillet then add the meatballs and fry until golden all around, should take about 7 to 10 minutes. Lickity split!

Can I Use Other Kinds Of Meat?

Any ground meat would work. Ground lamb would be wonderful with this type of glaze, but feel free to use ground pork or ground chicken. You can also combine meats like ground pork and ground beef together.

What Else Can I Use My Pomegranate Glaze On?

And lastly, let’s not forget that pomegranate glaze because that is the star of these meatballs. It’s sweet, it’s tart, and it’s amazing over these meatballs.

Pork tenderloin
Lamb
Chicken
Steak
Mushrooms

Closeup of Pomegranate Cocktail Meatballs with mini forks

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover pomegranate cocktail meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! Meatballs usually reheat really well. If you’re making these ahead, store the sauce separately in another container in the fridge. Before ready to serve reheat the sauce either in the microwave or in a small saucepan. To reheat the meatballs just reheat them in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. After everything has been reheated, pour the glaze over the meatballs, garnish and serve.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes! Follow the instructions for making these ahead, and store them in the freezer separately both in an airtight contain

More Must Try Meatball Recipe:

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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No matter what household we have all grown up in, there is something that has brought us all together here and that is a love and appreciation of food. Food that is from cultures and cuisines across the world has always been a staple of the blog. I'm excited to bring you all a taste of each corner of the earth, every last bite seasoned to perfection and served up with love - from my kitchen to yours.