Sweet and Spicy Gingersnap Meatballs

Gingersnap Meatballs

Description

These delightful Gingersnap Meatballs boast an unusual and irresistibly flavorful sauce made with crushed gingersnaps. Adapted from a cherished Taste Of Home magazine recipe, this dish is a delightful twist on traditional meatballs. The sauce’s sweet and spicy notes perfectly complement the savory meatballs, making them a fantastic pairing with macaroni and cheese and a crisp salad. Prepare to impress your family with this unique and tasty recipe!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 2 eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup tomato juice
• 1 cup brown sugar

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 3/4 cups crushed gingersnaps (about 5 gingersnaps)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for added flavor)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 474.5
• Fat: 14.3g
• Saturated Fat: 4.9g
• Cholesterol: 179.7mg
• Sodium: 1163.9mg
• Carbohydrates: 56.5g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Sugar: 34.7g
• Protein: 29.7g

Servings

4

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, finely chopped onion, and salt. Mix until well blended. Add the tomato juice and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.

2. Shape the Meatballs:
   Use your hands or a meatball scoop to shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking.

3. Brown the Meatballs:
   Heat a little vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a nice, golden crust.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   Arrange the browned meatballs in a baking dish, making sure they are evenly spaced.

5. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a separate saucepan, combine the crushed gingersnaps, white vinegar, and ground ginger (if using). Stir the mixture over medium heat until it starts to boil, ensuring the gingersnaps are well incorporated into the sauce.

6. Bake the Meatballs:
   Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and thickened.

7. Serve:
   Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them alongside your favorite sides like macaroni and cheese and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

This recipe brings a delightful twist to your meatball repertoire with its sweet and spicy gingersnap sauce. It’s an excellent option for a hearty and unique meal that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Happy cooking! 🍽️