Festive skewers for holiday crowds!
Mini meatball skewers transform party snacks into elegant, handheld bites. These bite-sized skewers with marinara and herbs are perfect for holiday entertaining when you need crowd-pleasing protein in minutes.
Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving or a New Year's Eve gathering, these skewers add a festive touch to any spread. Their compact size makes them ideal for guests to grab and go, while the meatball base provides satisfying protein between your main dishes.
The recipe's simplicity means you can prepare them in advance and reheat quickly when guests arrive. The skewer format also makes them easy to serve alongside other holiday sides, from mashed potatoes to green bean casserole.
With a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and aromatic herbs, these mini meatballs offer a classic flavor profile that complements both traditional and modern holiday menus. The skewers also make excellent appetizers for game day or family movie nights.
This recipe yields 30 skewers, perfect for feeding a crowd without the stress of complicated preparation. The combination of savory meatballs and vibrant bell peppers creates a visually appealing addition to any festive table.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick Assembly
The no-fuss meatball mixture comes together in minutes, with no chilling required before shaping. Skewering happens in a single batch.
💰 Cost-Effective
Using ground beef and pantry staples keeps costs low while maximizing flavor and presentation value.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing Format
The skewer format makes these perfect for buffet-style serving, ensuring guests can easily grab and eat without messy hands.
🌟 Festive Presentation
Alternating meatballs and bell peppers on skewers creates a colorful, eye-catching addition to any holiday table.
Mini Meatball Skewers Recipe
Festive protein bites for holiday crowds
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 lb ground beef
- - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- - 1 egg
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1/4 tsp black pepper
- - 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- - 1/2 cup bell pepper strips
- - 1 tbsp olive oil
- - 30 bamboo skewers
👨🍳 Instructions
Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined - overmixing will make meatballs tough.
💡 Use your hands to gently incorporate ingredients, maintaining a tender texture.
Shape the meatballs: Form mixture into 30 small meatballs (about 1 inch each). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
💡 Chill meatballs for 15 minutes if they feel too soft to shape.
Skewer the meatballs: Thread 2 meatballs and 1 bell pepper strip onto each skewer in alternating pattern.
💡 Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Cook the skewers: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, until meatballs are browned and peppers are tender.
💡 Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve: Toss skewers with marinara sauce and serve warm. Garnish with parsley and serve with additional marinara for dipping.
💡 For make-ahead: Cook skewers without sauce, then add sauce before serving.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Ground Beef
Provides rich flavor and moisture. For leaner version, use 93% lean ground beef. Vegetarian option: Use lentils or mushrooms as base.
Substitutions: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat.
Breadcrumbs
Help bind the meatballs and add texture. For gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Substitutions: Crushed crackers, panko, or oat flour.
Bell Pepper
Adds color and crunch. Any color bell pepper works, or substitute with zucchini or onion slices.
Substitutions: Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or sweet potato rounds.
Marinara Sauce
Adds moisture and tangy flavor. For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes.
Substitutions: BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or balsamic glaze.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Meatball Skewers
🔥 Meatball Consistency
If mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If too dry, add a splash of water or milk.
📏 Skewer Spacing
Leave 1/2 inch between meatballs to allow even cooking when skewered.
⏱️ Make-Ahead Tip
Shaped but uncooked skewers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.
💡 Garnish Ideas
Sprinkle with fresh basil, oregano, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra presentation.
Variations & Customizations
Vegetarian Version
Replace ground beef with 1 cup cooked lentils or crumbled tofu. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce for umami flavor.
Spicy Kick
Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to meat mixture. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip for cooling contrast.
Asian Fusion
Use ground chicken and add 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp ginger, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Serve with teriyaki glaze.
Cheesy Twist
Mix in 1/4 cup mozzarella pearls into meatballs before shaping. Cheese will melt during cooking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Garlic mashed potatoes for dipping
- Green bean casserole for balance
- Roasted carrots for sweetness
- Stuffing bites for a complete meal
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, try ginger ale or sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Shaped skewers can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Cooked skewers can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and reheated in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooked skewers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Sauce should be stored separately to prevent sogginess.
Freezer Storage
Freeze uncooked skewers for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time. Cooked skewers freeze for 1 month.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwave use to prevent rubbery texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Meatballs falling apart?
A: Mixture may be too wet. Add 2-3 tbsp more breadcrumbs to bind. Chill meatballs 15 minutes before shaping.
Q: How to prevent skewer burning?
A: Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before cooking. Metal skewers are also an option for direct heat cooking.
Q: Can I use pre-made meatballs?
A: Yes! Use 30 pre-made meatballs and follow skewering instructions. Adjust cooking time if using frozen meatballs.
Q: How to make gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free. Check spice labels for hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
These mini meatball skewers are the ultimate solution for holiday entertaining. Their compact size makes them perfect for passing around during dinner, while the combination of savory meat and fresh vegetables creates a balanced bite. Whether you're hosting a small family gathering or a large holiday party, these skewers will disappear quickly from any platter.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. From vegetarian versions to spicy twists, you can customize them to suit your guests' preferences. The make-ahead capability ensures you can prepare in advance, freeing up time to enjoy the festivities. Try serving them with a variety of dipping sauces to let guests personalize their experience.
