Description
These little bites of juicy, sticky goodness will steal the show at any gathering! Sweet-tart dried cherries, rich balsamic, and tender pork-and-beef meatballs come together for a flavor bomb you’ll crave again and again. Whether it’s game night or holiday feasting, roll up your sleeves and make these crowd-pleasers—your guests will beg for the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground pork
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½ lb ground beef (80/20)
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1 egg, beaten
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 tbsp minced garlic
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1 tsp dried parsley
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
For the Balsamic Cherry Glaze:
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1 cup dried cherries, chopped
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1½ cups water (divided)
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2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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Pinch salt & pepper
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, gently mix pork, beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt & pepper. Don’t overmix!
3️⃣ Roll into 1-inch balls (about 24–30). Arrange on the sheet.
4️⃣ Bake 15–18 mins, until golden and cooked through (160°F/71°C inside).
5️⃣ Meanwhile, in a saucepan, simmer cherries, 1 cup water, balsamic, brown sugar, soy sauce, salt & pepper for 10 mins.
6️⃣ Whisk cornstarch into remaining ½ cup water. Stir into glaze. Simmer 3–5 mins until thickened.
7️⃣ Toss baked meatballs in the warm glaze until glossy. Rest 5 mins, then serve!
Notes
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Wet hands when rolling meatballs—less sticky!
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Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
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Swap half the water with red wine for grown-up flavor.
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Double the batch—leftovers freeze beautifully!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 cal Per 4 meatballs
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 14g