- American
- Appetizer
- Holiday
Grandma’s Famous Mini Cocktail Meatballs
These mini cocktail meatballs have been the star of our holiday gatherings for as long as I can remember. Guests would often ask for—and secretly hope for—this classic appetizer at every family get-together. These tender, bite-sized meatballs are coated in a perfect, slightly tangy sauce that captures the essence of 1970s-style entertaining. Served with toothpicks for easy snacking, these meatballs are simple to prepare yet deliver unforgettable flavor. The kind of dish that effortlessly bridges nostalgia and timeless joy, it’s perfect for any occasion, from celebrations to casual gatherings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
Instructions
Shape the meatballs
Shape the sausage into small, bite-sized balls.
Brown the meatballs
Over medium heat, brown half of the sausage balls in a large skillet until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining sausage balls. Do not cook them fully.
Simmer in the sauce
Return the sausage balls to the skillet. Add all other ingredients except the pineapple chunks. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the pineapple
Add the pineapple chunks and simmer for a few more minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through.
Serve
Serve immediately, or reheat with reserved pineapple juice to loosen the sauce. Serve with toothpicks.
Recipe by
Russell Toris
@russell-toris