These Merlot Meatball Appetizers are delicious, and, easy to make addition to any appetizer spread. Italian meatballs tossed in a tangy, Merlot glaze are sure to disappear fast.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Wines. As always, all opinions are my own. Please enjoy wine responsibly.
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Cooking and Entertaining with Wine
Whether you are hosting friends for a game day, or a holiday gathering, it's the season for sharing and enjoying delicious food and wine. This fall and into the holidays, we are enjoying Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Wines Classic Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.
Because these well-balanced and smooth wines are fruit-forward, they are perfect for every day, as well as entertaining. Their bright fruit flavours and smooth finishes also make them ideal for pairing with food and cooking.
About Merlot
For these meatball appetizers, I've chosen Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Wines 2017 Merlot. This smooth, delicious, medium-bodied red features aromas of raspberries, mocha, and molasses, and the appealing essences of red berries, cherry cola, and vanilla oak.
Did you know that the Merlot grape is named after a blackbird? Check out the Fascinating History of Merlot
Of course, you will want to also sip this Merlot along with the finished recipe, too. You can find this wine, along with other Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi wines in the California section of your local liquor store.
Meatballs: Perfect Party Food
I love that meatballs are inexpensive, easy and quick to put together, and always delicious. You can make a big batch of meatballs and toss them in any sauce you like (try Cajun Turkey Meatballs, too). They freeze well, and, although they make perfect appetizers, they are just as good as a meal, as with these Sweet & Sour Meatballs.
About These Merlot Meatball Appetizers
You can use any ground meat for meatballs. For this recipe, I used a mixture of Italian sausage and ground beef. As a result, the meatballs are juicy and tender, with no need for other fillers. And, this also makes them gluten-free, so you can make everyone happy.
Frying vs Baking Meatballs
You can fry your meatballs, but I like to bake them. First of all, because baking means they have less fat and calories. Secondly, that delightful Merlot glaze wouldn't cling to the meatballs as well if they are already coated in oil from frying. But mostly, I don't like the mess caused by frying. Minimal cleanup is the goal. Because this recipe is already quick and simple.
Pairing Wine with Food
The Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Classic Merlot that I used in this recipe is a versatile red that also goes beautifully with steaks, chops, burgers, and pasta.
Visit the pairings page at Woodbridgewines.com, where you can find a handy wine pairing app that gives you recommendations for which wines to serve with which foods. As well, you can find more pairing info and recipe ideas at Woodbridgewines.com
Recipe
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Merlot Meatball Appetizers
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage meat
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 eggs large
Merlot Glaze
- 1 cup merlot
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
Instructions
Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400°
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients
- Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls (try using a melon baller to keep the sizes uniform), placing them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake 20 minutes, turning halfway through
Merlot Glaze
- While meatballs are in the oven, whisk wine and balsamic vinegar together in a wide pan.
- Bring to a boil, and continue to boil, whisking occasionally, until reduced by half
- Remove from heat and allow to cool somewhat. The mixture should be slightly syrupy.
- Gently toss cooked meatballs in the glaze until thoroughly coated
- garnish with more parsley and serve with toothpicks
Marisa
You had me at Merlot! These look and sound absolutely devine and I imagine they would disappear quite quickly too!
Colleen
Marisa, Merlot is such a beautiful wine, especially this smooth, fruity one from Woodbridge. And they do disappear fast, for sure!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
Meatballs are definitely the perfect party food! I usually make mine with a mix of ground beef and sausage too. These sound delicious and that merlot glaze is a nice touch!
Colleen
Hi Leanne, yes, meatballs are so easy, delicious, inexpensive and versatile. The Merlot glaze is amazing!
Bev
I love using local wines in cooking. After living in wine country for three years I loved visiting all the different wineries and being able to tell a story of each of the wineries through cooking. Can't wait to try this recipe!
Colleen
Hi Bev, I so agree! I live in wine country, and every winery has a story. Enjoy, and I hope to hear how the recipe went for you, too. Thanks for stopping by!
Lizzy
I love gluten free meatball recipe!. And that Merlot glaze?! amazing! I will definitely be giving this a try for my holiday party 🙂
Colleen
Hey Lizzy, the Merlot glaze is not only delicious, but so super easy, too. Enjoy!
Renu
OMG they look awesome...A perfect party starter and a different combination of sausage and beef mince.
Colleen
Renu, I think that combo of sausage and ground beef really makes for meatball perfection!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
I don't think I've ever had a meatball that I didn't love, but one thing is for sure, I've never had one with such a flavourful glaze!! Wine in it? Brilliant! We usually make a big batch of meatballs as part of a holiday get together at our home and these would be perfect. Pretty sure I'd have to make a double batch because I know they would disappear fast! Pinned and can't wait to try 🙂
Colleen
Hi Dawn, I'm with you on love of meatballs. This glaze is just so simple and delicious, so I know you'll love it. And making a double batch is always a good idea! 🙂
Denise from Urbnspice
These Merlot Meatball Appetizers sound delicious, Colleen! I love the pairing and the use of Merlot in this recipe, too. Appetizer gatherings are my favourite kind of event - your recipe is going to be on the next appetizer menu. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
Colleen
Thanks, Denise. I just love appetizer gatherings, too. I like to focus on one really more complicated one, and then a lot of simple, yet delicious ones, like these meatballs. I know you will love them. Thanks for dropping by. 🙂
Cathy
Yay for gluten free meatballs! The sausage makes a great contribution to texture and flavour. I also prefer to bake meatballs. It's much easier than frying!
Colleen
Hi Cathy, yes, the sausage is perfect for flavour and texture in the meatballs, and baking them is so easy!
Jo Vanderwolf
Definitely drooling all over my keyboard here. These look amazing! Your photos look beautiful, as always, and your recipe sounds divine! Can't wait to try it. Pinned to make later.
Colleen
Thank you so much, Jo! You are going to love these, and I so appreciate your kind comment 🙂
Melanie @ Bon Appet'eat
Omg you had me salivating! This looks amazing! Pinning for later too!
Colleen
Ha, ha, thanks Melanie! These really are drool worthy, and thank you for coming by. You will love them!
Diana
These meatballs are perfect party food! I need to make them on NYE
Colleen
Thanks Diana! These are on my NYE menu for sure!
Farwin
They look so delectable and I'm sure make a great party food.
Colleen
Thanks Farwin, they really are delicious and perfect for parties 🙂
Shanika
Oh my! These little meatballs look so amazing! They are perfect for Holiday gatherings! Pinned!
Colleen
Hi Shanika, Thank you, and they really are perfect for holiday gatherings. Enjoy!
Emily
These images are beautiful! And I love Woodbridge wine, so I will definitely give this recipe a go.
Colleen
Thanks so much, Emily! Woodbridge makes such lovely wines, and these meatballs really show off this Merlo. I hope you love them, too!
Veena Azmanov
This is surely a dish for my next kitty party. These Meatballs look yummy and tasty too.
Colleen
Hi Veena! These meatballs are perfect party food. Enjoy!