Maple Glazed Meatballs

If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer or easy dinner idea that will impress your guests, Maple Glazed Meatballs are a winning choice.

Juicy meatballs coated in a rich, sticky maple glaze bring the ultimate balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Whether served at holiday gatherings, game-day parties, or as a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love Maple Glazed Meatballs

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility.

The meatballs are tender and flavorful, while the maple glaze adds a glossy, irresistible coating that elevates them from ordinary to extraordinary.

Here are a few reasons why you’ll love them:

• Easy to make – You can prepare them from scratch or use frozen meatballs.

• Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.

• Deliciously balanced – Sweet maple syrup combined with savory spices makes every bite unforgettable.

Maple Glazed Meatballs

Maple Glazed Meatballs are a sweet and savory crowd-pleaser that works perfectly as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Appetizer

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or mix of beef and pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 small onion finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Shape mixture into small meatballs (about 1–1.5 inches in diameter) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
5. While meatballs cook, make the glaze: in a saucepan, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, mustard, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add cooked meatballs to the saucepan and toss until evenly coated.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve warm.

Notes

• These can be made ahead and reheated in a slow cooker with extra glaze for parties.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken.
• Serve with rice, noodles, or toothpicks as an appetizer.

How to Make Maple Glazed Meatballs

Prepare the meatballs – Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shape into bite-sized balls.

Bake or pan-fry – Cook until golden brown and fully cooked inside.

Make the glaze – Simmer maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of vinegar until slightly thickened.

Coat the meatballs – Toss the cooked meatballs in the warm glaze until shiny and sticky.

Serve – Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Serving Suggestions

• Appetizer Style – Serve with toothpicks for easy party bites.

• Over Rice or Noodles – Make it a full meal by serving with fluffy rice, stir-fried veggies, or buttered noodles.

• Sandwich Style – Pile glazed meatballs into a toasted sub roll with melted cheese for a sweet and savory meatball sandwich.

Tips for Success

Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor—avoid artificial pancake syrup.

For extra tenderness, mix ground beef with ground pork.

Make the glaze slightly ahead of time so the flavors deepen as it rests.

Variations to Try

Spicy Maple Glazed Meatballs – Add chili flakes or sriracha for a kick.

Turkey Meatballs – Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.

Slow Cooker Version – Cook meatballs in the crockpot with the glaze for an easy hands-off recipe.