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 that’s easy to grab and enjoy.

They’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 aren’t just tasty—they’re a whole vibe for your next gathering.

Ingredients

Here’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

Here’s how to whip up these flavorful skewers:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 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 combined—don’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 you’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 you’re hosting a game day party, a holiday feast, or just having friends over, these are the perfect addition to your spread.