Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
If you love a meal that’s both irresistibly sweet and savory, Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs will absolutely win you over! Imagine juicy, golden-brown meatballs bathed in a sticky, garlicky glaze with just the right balance of sweet honey and salty umami. This crowd-pleasing favorite pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, tender noodles, or crisp veggies, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. The real magic is how easy these come together, yet they taste like you’ve put in way more effort—a true dinnertime hero!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs couldn’t be simpler, and every item plays an important role in flavor and texture. Each addition helps make the final dish tender, juicy, and packed with savory-sweet goodness.
- Ground beef (or turkey/chicken): This is the hearty base; opt for leaner meat if you prefer a lighter bite, or beef for classic richness.
- Breadcrumbs: Essential for moisture and delicate structure—panko or regular both work wonderfully!
- Egg: Binds everything together so your meatballs hold their shape.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic ensures the sauce and meatballs have an irresistible punch.
- Chopped green onions: Adds color, a hint of brightness, and subtle onion flavor throughout.
- Salt: Brings out every layer of flavor—don’t skip this simple step.
- Black pepper: A little heat to balance all that sweet and savory.
- Honey: The star of the sauce for that glossy sweetness everyone loves.
- Soy sauce: Brings deep, savory umami and balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Ketchup: Adds tang and a gentle acidity to keep the sauce lively.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: This quick slurry ensures the sauce gets perfectly thick and glossy.
How to Make Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup a breeze and to keep the meatballs from sticking. Taking a moment for this step ensures mess-free, even cooking.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
In a large bowl, gently combine your ground meat of choice, breadcrumbs, an egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or they can turn dense. Then, roll the mixture into 1 to 1½-inch balls and space them evenly on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for meatballs that are golden-brown and cooked through; the kitchen will smell incredible as they roast!
Step 4: Whisk Up the Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs Sauce
While your meatballs are baking, get started on the honey garlic sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch and water slurry. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until thick, shiny, and oh-so-aromatic—then take it off the heat.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Once the meatballs are sizzling and ready, add them straight into the saucepan. Gently toss until each one is thoroughly coated in that beautiful sauce. Serve immediately while they’re glossy and piping hot—prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs with extra chopped green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds—they add color, crunch, and a little flair. For a pop of freshness, a touch of cilantro works beautifully too.
Side Dishes
These meatballs shine served over fluffy white or brown rice, but they’re also fantastic with buttery noodles, quinoa, or even in a crisp lettuce wrap. Add some roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli to round out your plate and soak up extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, stick toothpicks in each meatball and serve them as sweet-savory party bites. They also make a perfect filling for bao buns or sliders—just spoon in extra sauce for a messy (but amazing) treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Store your Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors get even richer as they rest.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked (unsauced) meatballs for up to two months. Just pop them in a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them gently in the sauce so they stay tender without drying out.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat, letting them slowly warm through in the sauce. You can also microwave in short bursts, but covering the dish with a damp paper towel helps keep them moist.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lighter swaps that give you just as much flavor. Both absorb the honey garlic sauce beautifully for irresistible Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. The rest of the recipe stays the same for a dish everyone can enjoy!
Can I make the meatballs ahead and freeze them?
You sure can! Cook and cool the meatballs, then freeze without sauce in a sealed container. Thaw and reheat in the honey garlic sauce whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Can I add veggies to the sauce?
Feel free to stir in extra vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli when tossing the meatballs in the sauce. It’s a great way to boost nutrition and stretch the meal further.
How can I make the sauce a little spicy?
Simple! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce for a gentle kick. It plays deliciously with the sweetness of the honey.
Final Thoughts
Give these Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs a try—even just once and you’ll see why they’re beloved. With their sweet, garlicky glaze and juicy bite, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen, ready to please everyone around your table. Happy cooking!
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Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic dish, featuring juicy meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner!
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the honey garlic sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 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 or foil.
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, salt, and pepper. Roll into balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and garlic. Add cornstarch slurry, cook until thickened.
- Coat the meatballs: Toss baked meatballs in the sauce until coated. Serve with rice or noodles.
Notes
- To make ahead, freeze baked meatballs (unsauced) and reheat in the sauce when ready to serve.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
