If you’re searching for a dinner or appetizer that’s bound to disappear in minutes, look no further than these Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs. Each bite delivers a perfect union of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness—all thanks to a sticky homemade sauce that clings to golden, juicy meatballs. Best of all, this recipe is the ideal blend of comforting and impressive, making it a family favorite on busy weeknights or a standout at gatherings. Whether you use ground beef or turkey, these meatballs never fail to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs call for a handful of kitchen staples that create layers of flavor and the ideal texture. Each ingredient, no matter how simple, has a role—binding, seasoning, or building that irresistible sauce glisten. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each one:
- Ground beef or turkey: The base of the meatballs—beef for rich flavor, turkey for a leaner option.
- Breadcrumbs: Help keep the meatballs tender by locking in moisture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty depth and a subtle undertone that makes the meatballs extra savory.
- Large egg: Acts as the perfect binder so your meatballs don’t fall apart.
- Fresh garlic: Gives a bold, aromatic punch to both the meat mixture and the sticky honey garlic sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Onion powder: Lends background savory flavor without needing fresh onions.
- Chopped parsley: Freshens up the mixture and pops beautifully as a garnish.
- Honey: The star of the sauce—sweet and sticky, giving every meatball its irresistible glaze.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a splash of brightness to keep the sauce lively and never too heavy.
- Cornstarch (plus water): Thickens the sauce into a gorgeous, clingy coating.
How to Make Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by setting the stage for easy cleanup and even cooking. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only stops sticking but also helps the meatballs develop a lovely browned exterior without extra oil or fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, combine your choice of ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and parsley. The key is to gently blend everything just until combined; overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so be kind with your hands or a fork.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, measure and roll the mixture into compact, 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Uniform size means every meatball cooks perfectly—no dry outs, no raw centers.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. By the time your kitchen fills with the aroma of roasting garlic and herbs, the meatballs should be golden and cooked through, ready for their sweet-salty bath.
Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, whisk together honey, soy sauce, more minced garlic, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat gently, then add the cornstarch and water slurry. Stir constantly for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. That’s your signal it’s ready to coat the meatballs.
Step 6: Toss Everything Together
Once the meatballs emerge from the oven, immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over and toss thoroughly to coat every nook and cranny. Serve these Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs hot—and get ready for the compliments!
How to Serve Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs
Garnishes
Finish your Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color, or add toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and a hint of nuttiness. You can also try thinly sliced green onions for a burst of freshness—each garnish adds a layer of flavor and makes the dish look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are extremely versatile: serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even steamed quinoa so you can soak up every last drop of that sticky honey garlic sauce. For something different, pair them with stir-fried noodles or lightly sautéed veggies for a wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs shine at parties when speared with festive toothpicks as an appetizer. You can also load them into lettuce cups for easy handheld bites, or stuff them into small rolls or sliders topped with extra sauce and crunchy slaw for a fun twist on game day classics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs are a dream to tuck away for future quick meals. Store cooled meatballs (with or without sauce) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making next-day lunches genuinely exciting.
Freezing
For longer storage, line the baked (cooled) meatballs on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. Wait to make the honey garlic sauce until you’re ready to serve, for that just-cooked freshness.
Reheating
Gently reheat meatballs on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge or heat directly from frozen in a covered saucepan with a splash of water and fresh sauce. This way, every bite stays juicy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs with ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well as beef or turkey. Just be sure to handle the mixture gently, as chicken can sometimes be a bit stickier. The flavors in the sauce will pair beautifully with any protein.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you’re out of breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even panko for a lighter texture. Gluten-free breadcrumbs also work perfectly if you’d like to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I double the Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales up effortlessly. Just make sure to use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding and rotate them halfway through cooking so every meatball gets golden brown and delicious.
Does the sauce reheat well?
The honey garlic sauce thickens as it cools but can be easily re-warmed on the stove or briefly in the microwave. Whisk in a splash of water if it seems too thick, and it’ll return to its glossy, pourable self in no time.
Are Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs dairy-free?
They can be! If you leave out the Parmesan or use a dairy-free substitute, everything else in the recipe is naturally dairy-free. This makes it a great choice for guests with dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as delicious and versatile as it is easy, these Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs absolutely belong in your repertoire. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving them again and again—your family and friends will, too!
Print
Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs are a perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a sticky honey garlic sauce coating tender meatballs. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they are great as a main course or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
For the sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and parsley until just combined. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Coat the meatballs: Toss the baked meatballs in the warm sauce until fully coated. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- These meatballs can be made ahead and frozen. Just reheat and toss in freshly made sauce before serving.
- They pair well with rice, noodles, or as a party appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
