Appetizer & Snacks

Mini Meatballs with Dipping Sauce

Name: Mini Meatballs with Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 tsp olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

September 12, 2025

Servings: 12 Total Time: 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Mini Meatballs with Dipping Sauce are a delicious, bite-sized appetizer that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even as a fun snack. These small, flavorful meatballs are packed with seasonings, tender, and juicy, and they pair perfectly with a tangy, sweet, or spicy dipping sauce.

Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or as an appetizer for a special dinner, these mini meatballs are sure to impress. They’re versatile, easy to make, and everyone loves picking up a small, flavorful bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fun, easy, and endlessly versatile. The mini size makes them perfect for snacking or serving at parties, and the dipping sauce elevates the flavor, turning a simple meatball into a standout appetizer.

They’re also highly customizable—use beef, pork, chicken, or turkey, and pair with a wide range of sauces like marinara, sweet chili, barbecue, or creamy ranch. Every bite is packed with flavor, and they disappear fast at any gathering.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Perfect for entertaining – easy to serve and enjoy.
Flavorful & juicy – seasoned meatballs that burst with flavor.
Versatile – works with multiple meats and sauces.
Kid-friendly & adult-approved – universally loved appetizer.

Recipe Time & Servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12–16 mini meatballs per person (serves 4–6)
Calories: ~70–100 per meatball (without sauce)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Course: Appetizer / Snack

Ingredients

For the Mini Meatballs:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef, pork, or a mix
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)

For the Dipping Sauce (Marinara Version):

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Simple Cooking Directions

Mix meatball ingredients and form mini meatballs.
Pan-fry or bake until golden and cooked through.
Heat the dipping sauce and serve alongside meatballs.
Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Mini Meatballs

In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
Roll mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Pan-fry method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
Oven method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add marinara sauce (and red pepper flakes if using) and simmer for 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Arrange mini meatballs on a serving platter.
Serve with the warm dipping sauce on the side.
Optional: garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan.

How to Serve

Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Pair with a variety of dipping sauces for a party platter.
Great as a side dish with pasta, sandwiches, or salad.

Additional Recipe Tips

For extra juicy meatballs, add 1–2 tbsp milk to the mixture.
Do not overmix meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
Slightly toast breadcrumbs before mixing for extra crunch.
If using baking, brush with olive oil to get a golden exterior.

Variations

Asian-style: Use ground pork with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Serve with sweet chili sauce.
Cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the meatball center.
Herbed: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for a gourmet twist.
Mini Slider Meatballs: Serve in small buns with sauce for mini sandwiches.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Refrigerate cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

Skillet or baking sheet
Mixing bowls
Parchment paper (optional for baking)
Spoon or small ice cream scoop for forming meatballs

Conclusion

Mini Meatballs with Dipping Sauce are a fun, flavorful, and versatile appetizer perfect for any occasion. With juicy, seasoned meatballs and a complementary dipping sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit at parties, family gatherings, or even as a snack. Simple to prepare, customizable, and universally loved, it’s a recipe that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.

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