Grilled Meatball Skewers are the perfect combination of savory flavors, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This recipe takes classic meatballs to the next level by cooking them on skewers, making them ideal for grilling and serving at your next BBQ. With a blend of herbs and spices, every bite is packed with flavor, and the grill adds a smoky touch that enhances the taste.
These Grilled Meatball Skewers are versatile and can be served with a side of fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or a dipping sauce of your choice. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or enjoying a cozy meal, these skewers are sure to please. The best part? They’re quick and easy to prepare, so you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in no time.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated parmesan
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
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Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Directions:
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
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Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
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Thread the meatballs onto the soaked wooden skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
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Brush the meatballs with olive oil to prevent sticking.
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Grill the skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and have a nice char on all sides.
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Remove from the grill and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 18 minutes
Kcal: 260 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Grilled Meatball Skewers Are a Perfect BBQ Recipe
When it comes to grilling, there’s nothing better than simple, delicious food that’s easy to prepare and quick to cook. Grilled Meatball Skewers fit this description perfectly. Not only are they quick to make, but they also offer great versatility, allowing you to tailor the flavors to suit your preferences or dietary needs. With the grilling process, you get that wonderful smoky flavor that makes barbecued food so irresistible.
The beauty of grilled meatballs is in their simplicity. The meat mixture, which is made of ground beef and basic seasonings, gets transformed into a smoky, mouth-watering dish by the open flame. The skewers allow for even cooking, ensuring that every meatball is perfectly grilled. Additionally, grilling on skewers makes for a fun presentation, giving your barbecue a festive, shareable vibe that everyone will enjoy.
How to Perfectly Grill Meatball Skewers
One of the key steps in making Grilled Meatball Skewers is the preparation of the meatballs. The meatball mixture should be mixed well to ensure it holds together as it cooks. A combination of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, and spices such as garlic, oregano, and basil gives the meatballs their unique flavor profile. It’s important to avoid overworking the mixture as this can result in tough meatballs. You want them to be light and tender.
When threading the meatballs onto skewers, be sure to leave some space between them. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly around each meatball, ensuring they cook through without burning. For the best results, use wooden skewers, which can be soaked in water before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are another option but make sure they are heatproof.
Preheating the grill is another crucial step. You want it to be at a medium-high heat to achieve that perfect sear on the meatballs. A grill with direct flame is ideal for grilling these skewers. The meatballs will cook quickly on the grill, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The goal is to get a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Pairing Suggestions for Grilled Meatball Skewers
Grilled Meatball Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes and sauces. The smoky flavor of the meatballs pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or even a simple rice pilaf. For a Mediterranean twist, serve the skewers with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping. You can also add a side of pita bread for a more complete meal.
For those who prefer something spicier, a sriracha mayo or a chili-infused sauce will complement the meatballs beautifully. A classic tomato sauce, served warm or cold, is another great option for dipping. If you’re looking for a lighter pairing, a cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil can balance the richness of the meatballs.
These skewers can also be served as an appetizer at a party or a casual snack for game day. You can even offer a variety of dipping sauces so guests can customize their experience.
Make It Your Own: Variations of Grilled Meatball Skewers
One of the best things about Grilled Meatball Skewers is that they’re highly customizable. While the classic recipe calls for beef, you can easily switch up the protein to suit your dietary preferences. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner option, and even plant-based meat alternatives can be used to make these skewers vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
For an Italian flair, try adding some finely chopped fresh basil or parsley to the meatball mixture. If you love spicy food, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add some finely chopped jalapeños to the mix. For a Mediterranean version, consider adding feta cheese or olives into the meatballs.
The spices in the recipe can also be adjusted based on your taste. You can experiment with adding ground cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile. The flexibility of this dish allows you to explore a wide range of global influences, from Middle Eastern to Asian-inspired variations.
Why Grilled Meatball Skewers Are a Crowd-Pleaser
When you’re hosting a barbecue or dinner party, you want dishes that are easy to make but still impressive. Grilled Meatball Skewers offer just that. They can be prepared in advance, and they’re the perfect finger food, which makes them great for casual get-togethers or even large parties. The skewers make serving a breeze, as they eliminate the need for individual plating, allowing guests to grab and go.
Additionally, the grilling process creates that irresistible smoky aroma that is associated with outdoor cooking, which automatically draws people in. They’re also easy to scale up or down, depending on how many guests you have, making them perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger events.
Another great thing about these skewers is that they’re family-friendly. Kids love the fun, bite-sized portions, and the flavors are generally mild, so even picky eaters will enjoy them. Plus, you can easily make them more kid-friendly by reducing the amount of spices in the meatball mixture.
Conclusion: The Perfect Dish for Any Occasion
Grilled Meatball Skewers are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. They’re easy to prepare, quick to cook, and perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to large summer BBQs. With endless possibilities for customization, you can tailor the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. The smoky, charred exterior and juicy interior of the meatballs will impress your guests, while the simplicity of the recipe ensures that it won’t take hours to prepare.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, fun, and flavorful dish to serve at your next gathering, look no further than Grilled Meatball Skewers. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults, and they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe for your grilling season.