Cocktail meatballs will be a hit at any party.

Simmered in a tangy sauce with ketchup, molasses, and brown sugar, these will disappear in minutes.

A splash of hot sauce adds warmth, but the resulting dish is not at all spicy.

Southern Living Cocktail Meatballs on a platter to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

These cocktail meatballs are less sweet and more complex thanold-school grape jelly meatballs.

Yes, cocktail meatballs can be made aheadto a point.

When you’re ready to serve, let the meatballs thaw overnight in the fridge.

Southern Living Cocktail Meatballs ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Make the sauce and add the meatballs as directed and warm until the temp reaches 160F.

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil; set aside.

Add pork and mix to combine; add beef and gently mix until just combined.

Southern Living Cocktail Meatballs mixing the meatball mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Broil until meatballs are browned, 6 to 8 minutes.

Transfer to a serving platter and serve with wooden picks.

Southern Living Cocktail Meatballs forming the meatballs

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Cocktail Meatballs broiling the meatballs

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Cocktail Meatballs adding the meatballs to the sauce

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox