Savory Mini Meatball Skewers with Marinara Sauce Recipe

Looking for a fun and flavorful party snack?

These mini meatball skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Juicy, seasoned meatballs served on skewers with marinara sauce for dipping make for a perfect finger food thatโ€™s easy to grab and enjoy.

Theyโ€™re delicious, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress your guests.

Picture this: tender meatballs threaded onto skewers, golden brown and served with a warm, tangy marinara sauce.

These arenโ€™t just tastyโ€”theyโ€™re a whole vibe for your next gathering.

Ingredients

Hereโ€™s what you need to make about 4 servings of these delicious skewers:

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (or fresh basil for a twist)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or red chili flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)
  • Skewers (6-inch or cocktail sticks for smaller portions)

Instructions

Hereโ€™s how to whip up these flavorful skewers:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
    In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika or chili flakes if using. Mix until just combinedโ€”donโ€™t overwork it!
  3. Form the Meatballs:
    Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs.
  4. Thread the Meatballs:
    If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning. Thread 3-4 meatballs onto each skewer, leaving a little space between them for even cooking.
  5. Bake the Skewers:
    Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning.
  6. Serve and Garnish:
    Arrange the skewers on a platter and warm up the marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that final touch.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make Ahead: Prep the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until youโ€™re ready to bake.
  • Serving Idea: Stick the skewers upright in a glass jar or lay them flat on a wooden board for a stylish presentation.
  • Flavor Swaps: Try ground chicken or pork for a different twist, or add a dash of chili powder for extra heat.
  • Dipping Sauces: Marinara is classic, but garlic aioli, tzatziki, or honey mustard are fun alternatives.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Fat: 10g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g

These mini meatball skewers are savory, satisfying, and so easy to make.

If youโ€™re hosting a game day party, a holiday feast, or just having friends over, these are the perfect addition to your spread.