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.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
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
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
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
Lauren
These look amazing would they go well in pasta for dinner or strictly as an appitizer?
Colleen
Hi Lauren, these really are amazing and they are perfect with pasta for dinner as well as an appetizer.
Kavita Favelle
I would not have thought of meatballs as great party food / canapes but you are so right that with toothpicks provided, they are perfect for that! And I love the flavours in yours!
Colleen
Thanks Kavita. Meatballs really are a great party food, and everyone seems to love them.
Laura | Wandercooks
Yum these look so cute and delicious - love the idea of infusing all that delicious merlot flavour too.
Colleen
Hi Laura, I think Merlo is meatball magic! These are amazing.
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
I agree that meatballs are the perfect appetizer and everyone loves them. When you are having cocktails you really need to serve a hearty app like this. That merlot dip looks amazing!
Colleen
Hi Karen! I'm with you on serving hearty apps with cocktails! These meatballs are so good, too. Enjoy!
Mayuri Patel
Beautiful clicks, would make anyone reach out for those succulent meatballs. I love red wine, so am not sure if I'd be able to save any for the glaze.
Colleen
Thanks Mayuri. You may just have to buy extra red wine! 🙂
Sri Mallya
Perfect holiday recipe. Looks so delicious
Colleen
Thank you, they are a perfect holiday recipe, and delicious!
Philip - Chef Sous Chef
I need to make these for our next holiday party. Love the addition of wine to the meatballs! Sounds absolutely delicious ?
Colleen
Hi Philip, you'll be glad you did. They really are delicious. Enjoy!
Leslie
Yum! I'd be wanting to eat that glaze with a spoon! These meatballs look amazing!
Colleen
Hi Leslie, yes, that kind of happened, too! 🙂 Enjoy!
Chris Collins
I'm always on the hunt for new meatball recipes and this one looks like an absolute winner! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Colleen
Enjoy, Chris! these meatballs are definitely a winner!
Stefani @ Natural Paleo Family
These look so delicious, I've never thought of using merlot for a glaze! Looks like a perfect dish to bring to a holiday potluck.
Colleen
Hi Stefani, yes these would be perfect to bring to a potluck. You can keep them warm in a slow cooker!
Andrea Metlika
Absolutely Fabulous! These sound so good. I've used wine in sauces for years but never thought to glaze meatballs with them. Great recipe!
Colleen
Thanks Andrea! And the most fabulous part is how easy they are to make!
Veena Azmanov
I love the idea of adding merlot in my meatballs. Sounds so scrumptious. A wine glass in hand and some in the meatballs - now that a meals dinner.
Colleen
Hi Veena, A wine glass in hand, and some in the meatballs, love that!
Terri Gilson
I absolutely love wine and will drink it anyway/anywhere- in a glass, in my food, on a plane, on a train, in a house, with a mouse... And wine with meatballs is divine! These look absolutely delicious and perfect for the holidays!
Colleen
Haha, Terri, I'm with you, wine makes everything better! These meatballs are proof!
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
Merlot is such a great table wine, fruity and round. It must give such an incredible flavor to these meatballs. Love that you mixed Italian sausages and ground beef, so flavorful!!
Colleen
Hi Nicoletta, yes Merlot is a delicious table wine. I love this one by Woodbridge because it's especially fruity, but smooth. And it enhances these meatballs so much!
Stine Mari
That merlot sounds so delicious, I will definitely go and see if it's here too. And adding it to these meatballs - genius!
Colleen
Stine, I know that you'll love this wine. And adding to meatballs, just doubles the love! 🙂