Party Meatballs with Maple Glaze

01Method

1. 1

   Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Warm the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft, about 2 minutes, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Take the pan off the heat.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, combine the sausage, ground beef, bread crumbs, bacon, egg, salt, pepper, and the cooked onion mixture. Mix thoroughly with your hands, then shape into approximately 14 meatballs about 2 inches across. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

4. 4

   Bake until fully cooked through with no pink remaining, 20 to 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should register 165°F (74°C).

5. 5

   Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by combining the water, maple syrup, soup base, and cayenne in a skillet over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat slightly and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, 8 to 10 minutes.

6. 6

   Pull the glaze off the heat and let it cool briefly. Scrape down any syrup clinging to the sides of the pan with a spatula and stir it back in.

7. 7

   Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish, spoon the glaze over each one, and scatter crumbled bacon on top. Serve warm with toothpicks on the side.