Juicy, tender meatballs coated in a sticky hot honey glaze bring the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The rich honey caramelizes with a kick of spice, creating bold flavors in every bite. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, these meatballs are perfect over rice, alongside roasted veggies, or served as an appetizer.
Hot Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
4
servings15
minutes20
minutes354
kcal35
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
450 g 1 lb ground beef
60 g 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 1 egg
25 g 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 4 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Hot Honey Glaze:
80 ml 1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Equipment
Mixing Bowl- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- tongs
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until just combined, avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
- Cook the Meatballs
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little oil.
- Cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and fully cooked.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar.
- Stir until the butter melts and the glaze is smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
- Coat and Serve
- Toss the cooked meatballs in the hot honey glaze until evenly coated.
- Serve and garnished with fresh parsley or sesame seeds.
Notes
- Don’t over-mix : Overworking the meat mixture can make the meatballs tough.
- Adjust the heat : Increase or reduce red pepper flakes to match your spice tolerance.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! While beef and pork create the juiciest texture, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook, as lean meats dry out faster.
How spicy are these meatballs?
The heat level depends on the hot sauce and red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the pepper flakes or choose a milder hot sauce. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or drizzle more hot honey before serving.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
You can prepare and refrigerate the uncooked meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. The cooked meatballs also reheat well, making them great for meal prep.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30–60 seconds. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Cooked meatballs can also be frozen and reheated when needed.
What should I serve with hot honey meatballs?
These pair perfectly with white or brown rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even inside a sandwich. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor.
Can I make the hot honey glaze less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey slightly and add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar for more tang.
What’s the best hot sauce to use?
Sriracha, Frank’s Red Hot, or a smoky chipotle sauce work great. Choose your favorite based on your spice preference.
