Pomegranate Glazed Cocktail Meatballs
Juicy, tender bite-sized meatballs tossed in a glistening sweet-tart ruby red pomegranate molasses glaze with fresh rosemary and pomegranate arils.
In a nutshell: This authentic middle eastern-american pomegranate glazed cocktail meatballs comes together in just 45 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret is to Pomegranate molasses provides signature tart intensity and thickens the glaze into a rich . Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
These Pomegranate Glazed Cocktail Meatballs are the breakout star of holiday cocktail parties, Friendsgiving buffets, and New Year's Eve spreads. Juicy hand-rolled beef and pork meatballs are baked until golden, then coated in an irresistible sweet-tart ruby glaze made with pure pomegranate juice, pomegranate molasses, chili, and rosemary. Finished with fresh sparkling pomegranate seeds.
Key Equipment
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- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Large saucepan or slow cooker
- Cocktail toothpicks
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Use pomegranate molasses: Pomegranate molasses provides signature tart intensity and thickens the glaze into a rich ruby lacquer.
- Keep warm in a slow cooker: After glazing, transfer meatballs to a slow cooker set to WARM for effortless holiday party hosting.
- Frozen meatball shortcut: For a 15-minute express version, use high-quality pre-cooked frozen homestyle meatballs and simmer directly in the glaze.
Ingredients
10
servings
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1 lb lean ground beef (85/15), or 50/50 mix with ground pork
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs, for light tender texture
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1 large egg, beaten
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3 cloves garlic, finely grated
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¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
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1 tsp onion powder and kosher salt, for meatball seasoning
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1 cup 100% pure pomegranate juice, such as POM Wonderful
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⅓ cup pomegranate molasses, for deep sweet-tart richness
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⅓ cup honey or brown sugar, for glossy sweetness
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1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water, slurry for thickening
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1 sprig fresh rosemary, minced
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½ cup fresh pomegranate arils (seeds), for vibrant crunchy garnish
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Make Meatballs
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine ground beef, panko, egg, grated garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined (do not overwork).
Bake Meatballs
Roll into 1-inch bite-sized meatballs (about 30 total) and place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Simmer Ruby Pomegranate Glaze
In a large deep skillet or saucepan, whisk together pomegranate juice, pomegranate molasses, honey, and minced rosemary over medium heat. Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes. Whisk in cornstarch slurry and simmer 2 minutes until glaze turns glossy and syrupy.
Toss & Coat
Add warm baked meatballs to the simmering glaze. Gently stir until every meatball is lacquered in shiny ruby glaze.
Garnish & Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl or warm slow cooker. Shower with sparkling fresh pomegranate arils and fresh rosemary leaves. Insert cocktail toothpicks and serve warm!
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
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View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
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Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
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Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
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Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Pomegranate molasses is available in Middle Eastern grocery markets or the international aisle of well-stocked supermarkets. Alternatively, simmer 1 cup pomegranate juice with 1 tbsp sugar until syrupy.
Yes! Bake the meatballs and make the glaze up to 2 days in advance. Reheat together on the stovetop or in a slow cooker before serving.
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey or chicken meatballs work wonderfully with this sweet-tart ruby glaze.
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