Gluten-Free Cocktail Meatballs
By the Gluten Free Recipes team ·
These savory gluten-free cocktail meatballs are coated in a crispy, golden GF breadcrumb crust, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, they are an irresistible appetizer that will disappear quickly from any party spread.
At a glance: This medium party and appetizers recipe yields 8 servings in about 35 minutes (15 min prep, 20 min cook). It uses 10 ingredients — including ground chicken or turkey, certified gluten-free breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion — and walks through 5 steps. Updated . Browse more party and appetizers recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.
Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Cocktail Meatballs: When preparing this party and appetizers recipe, when preparing this recipe, it is crucial to use ingredients that are certified gluten-free. Always check labels for hidden gluten. Use clean utensils and cutting boards that have not come into contact with gluten-containing foods to prevent cross-contamination In a shared kitchen, avoid porous materials — wooden spoons, wooden cutting boards, and scratched non-stick pans can harbor gluten proteins even after washing. Prefer glass, metal, or silicone tools.
Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Cocktail Meatballs: This recipe relies on certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring all other packaged ingredients, like sauces, are also free from gluten-containing grains. The base ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- 1/2 cup certified gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, for baking
- 1 cup your favorite gluten-free dipping sauce (e.g., BBQ, sweet chili)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, certified gluten-free breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, lightly beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.
- 2
Roll the mixture into small, uniform meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 24-30 meatballs. Arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space between them for even cooking and browning.
- 3
Drizzle the meatballs lightly with olive oil or dot with small pieces of butter. This will help them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crisp exterior. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have a nice golden crust. They should feel firm to the touch and register an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- 4
While the meatballs are baking, warm your gluten-free dipping sauce in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a minute or two. They will be very hot and fragrant.
- 5
Serve the hot gluten-free cocktail meatballs immediately with the warmed dipping sauce on the side for dipping. These are best enjoyed fresh and warm, making them a perfect appetizer for any gathering.
Nutrition (per serving)
Tips & Notes
- Brown the butter before adding it for a nutty, caramel depth that elevates simple recipes.
- If substituting olive oil for butter, use about 3/4 the amount (olive oil is 100% fat, butter is ~80%).
- Roasted garlic (400°F, 30–40 min in foil) gives a sweet, mellow flavor ideal for soups and sauces.
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