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10 Keto Meatball Appetizer Ideas for Parties
Did you know that adhering to a keto diet can still be a delicious experience, even at parties? In this blog, we’ve rounded up 10 mouthwatering keto meatball appetizer ideas that are sure to impress your guests while keeping your carb count in check. Get ready to elevate your entertaining game by exploring savory options like Parmesan Keto Meatballs and Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, perfect for any celebration!
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Savory Parmesan Keto Meatballs
These Savory Parmesan Keto Meatballs are a delightful blend of rich flavors and low-carb goodness, making them the perfect addition to any keto meal. With the savory taste of Parmesan and the aromatic blend of herbs, these meatballs offer a satisfying bite that won’t compromise your dietary goals.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Mix all ingredients until well combined, being careful not to over-mix.
4. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
6. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add some finely chopped onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Serve with a keto-friendly dipping sauce or over zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
Zesty Italian Herb Meatball Skewers
These Zesty Italian Herb Meatball Skewers are bursting with flavor, combining succulent meatballs seasoned with aromatic herbs and a hint of zest. Perfect for gatherings, they offer a delightful bite-sized experience that will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- 8 wooden skewers
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and thread them onto the skewers.
4. Grill or bake the skewers for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and have a nice char.
5. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the meatballs in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to customize the herbs based on your preference; thyme and rosemary work well too!
- If grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to use to prevent burning.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
This recipe for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs brings together the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the comforting texture of homemade meatballs. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs are bursting with flavor and spice!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
4. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and toss them in buffalo sauce until well coated.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tips:
- For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them; just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Meatballs
These Garlic Butter Shrimp Meatballs are a delightful combination of succulent shrimp and rich, aromatic garlic butter that transforms a simple dish into a gourmet experience. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a burst of flavor with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine the shrimp, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture.
2. Form the shrimp mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the meatballs to the skillet.
4. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle the meatballs with fresh parsley and drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in garlic and lemon juice for 30 minutes before making the meatballs.
- Serve with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- You can freeze the uncooked meatballs and cook them directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
BBQ Glazed Beef and Pork Meatballs
These BBQ Glazed Beef and Pork Meatballs are a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. The rich blend of beef and pork combined with a smoky BBQ glaze will make this dish a standout at your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce to create the glaze.
5. Brush half of the BBQ glaze over the meatballs before placing them in the oven.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and brush the remaining glaze on top of each meatball.
7. Return the meatballs to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until they are cooked through and caramelized.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, let the meatball mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping.
- If you prefer a spicier taste, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen, then baked from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Miniature Meatloaf Cupcakes with Keto Topping
These Miniature Meatloaf Cupcakes with Keto Topping are a delightful twist on traditional meatloaf, bringing together savory flavors and a creamy, cheesy topping that will satisfy your cravings without derailing your keto diet.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Scoop the meat mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
5. While the meatloaf cupcakes are baking, prepare the keto topping by blending the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese together until smooth.
6. Once the meatloaf cupcakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
7. Top each cupcake with the creamy cheese mixture and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips:
- For added flavor, mix in some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the meat mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- These mini meatloafs freeze well; just reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Creamy Spinach-Feta Turkey Meatballs
Creamy Spinach-Feta Turkey Meatballs are a delightful twist on classic meatballs, combining savory turkey with the rich flavors of spinach and feta cheese. These meatballs are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them an appealing option for a healthy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, feta cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Serve the meatballs with the warmed marinara sauce, garnished with additional feta cheese if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the meat mixture.
- These meatballs freeze well; make a double batch and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Serve with whole grain pasta or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
Cilantro Lime Beef Meatballs
Cilantro Lime Beef Meatballs are a fresh and zesty twist on classic meatballs, infused with vibrant cilantro and tangy lime. These delicious bites are perfect for a meal or as appetizers at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, salt, pepper, and the egg.
3. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
4. Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
Tips:
- Adjust the lime juice to your taste for extra tanginess.
- Serve with a cilantro lime dipping sauce for an added flavor boost.
- These meatballs freeze well, making them great for meal prep.
Sweet and Sour Thai Keto Meatballs
This Sweet and Sour Thai Keto Meatballs recipe brings a delicious combination of tangy and sweet flavors while keeping it low-carb. Perfectly seasoned and juicy, these meatballs are a delightful addition to your keto meal plan.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon erythritol (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic, egg, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
5. While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, erythritol, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is heated through and well combined.
6. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the sweet and sour sauce over the top before serving.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped cilantro or basil to the meatball mixture.
- Serve with zoodles or cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cheesy Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
These Cheesy Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, delivering a delightful burst of gooey cheese in every bite. With a perfect blend of savory herbs and rich mozzarella, they’re sure to impress your family or guests!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 large egg
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and mold the meat around it, forming a ball. Repeat this process until all meat is used.
4. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Serve with spaghetti or a side salad for a complete meal.
