Savory and Sweet Breakfast Meatballs for a Delicious Brunch!
Introduction
Why choose between sweet and savory when you can have both in one irresistible bite? These Savory and Sweet Breakfast Meatballs combine juicy, herby pork sausage with just the right hint of maple and dried fruit, making them a standout star for brunch spreads. Bursting with flavor, protein, and a touch of indulgence, they’re a breeze to serve at any gathering—guaranteed to delight guests looking for something special and satisfying.
The Brunch Meatball Advantage
Unlike your typical breakfast fare, these meatballs bring together classic morning ingredients—pork, eggs, and a touch of sweetness—in a form that’s perfect for sharing. Each bite offers a blend of spices, succulent meat, and the natural sweetness of maple and cranberries, creating a harmonious taste that bridges breakfast and lunch. Serve these at brunches for holidays, family weekends, or make-ahead meal prep; they’re as crowd-pleasing as they are versatile.
Building Layers of Flavor
To get the perfect texture and depth, start with quality ground pork sausage as your base. For effortless prep, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to finely dice onion and apples, ensuring an even flavor throughout and quick assembly. Adding sautéed aromatics with dried cranberries or apricots brings in both savory and sweet notes. Enhance with a touch of maple syrup, ground sage, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a subtle warmth.
The Best Way to Cook Breakfast Meatballs
For an easy, healthier option, arrange the shaped meatballs on the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to keep them from sticking and make clean-up a breeze. For a crisp exterior and juicy interior, try air frying: use the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt for even cooking and a golden finish in less time. Alternatively, pan-fry in a nonstick skillet or bake in the oven until cooked through.
Perfect Pairings and Brunch Presentation
Plate meatballs over scrambled eggs, nestle into warm mini buns with extra maple drizzle, or offer with tangy yogurt sauce. For easy transport to the table or outdoor brunch, pack them in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl so they stay fresh and easy to serve. For a festive touch, serve with toothpicks atop a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack—making cleanup swift and your spread extra inviting.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 24 medium meatballs, enough for 6–8 brunch servings. Each meatball clocks in at approximately 80–90 calories with balanced fat, protein, and a subtle sweetness. Serve a few per person alongside eggs or greens for a well-rounded brunch plate.
Savory and Sweet Breakfast Meatballs Recap
Combining the best elements of breakfast and brunch, these meatballs are juicy, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable. The blend of sweet dried fruit, savory pork, and aromatic seasoning sets them apart, making them a brunch staple everyone will remember.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F or preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt to 375°F for air frying. Line a sheet tray with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for oven baking, or use Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs, 8” Square for the air fryer.
- In a skillet, sauté onion and apple until soft and fragrant (about 3 mins). Let cool.
- In a large bowl, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to finish prepping any remaining produce. Combine pork, cooled onion/apple, cranberries/apricots, sage, salt, pepper, chili flakes, maple syrup, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined.
- With damp hands or a scoop, form mixture into 1½-inch balls. Place evenly onto your prepared tray or air fryer basket.
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or air fry for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp of 160°F—check with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking).
- Serve warm, drizzled with extra maple syrup and garnished with herbs if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 18 minutes
Cook Time: 16–18 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Enjoy your Savory and Sweet Breakfast Meatballs—savory, sweet, and guaranteed to be the highlight of any brunch table!