As the New Year approaches, it’s time to start planning a celebration that’s full of flavor and excitement. One dish that’s sure to light up your party is Firecracker Meatballs. These little bites of goodness are not only packed with bold flavors but also come with a spicy kick that will leave your guests raving.
Coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, they strike the perfect balance between heat and sweetness, making them an irresistible addition to your appetizer spread. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate get-together, these meatballs are the perfect way to kick off the festivities!

What You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef, pork, or chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chili crunch
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey

Helpful Tips
- Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: When preparing the meatball mixture, be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly but avoid overworking the meat. This ensures that your meatballs are tender and juicy. Use your hands to combine the ingredients gently until just mixed.
- Bake for Easy Cleanup: Instead of frying, consider baking your meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This method not only reduces the mess but also allows for even cooking. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Adjust the Heat to Your Preference: The beauty of Firecracker Meatballs is that you can easily customize the level of spiciness. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes and sriracha in the glaze. For those who love a fiery kick, feel free to amp up the heat! Serve extra hot sauce on the side for guests to add as they please.
With these Firecracker Meatballs, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for ringing in the New Year. Their bold flavors and delightful heat will keep your guests coming back for more, making them a memorable part of your celebration. Cheers to a flavorful start to the new year!

Firecracker Meatballs
for more, making them a memorable part of your celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 egg
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chili crunch
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper, just until combined. Form meatballs.
- Bake or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, until cooked through.
- Mix together the chili crunch, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and honey.
- Coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Serve on a platter with toothpicks.
Notes
- To keep this extra simple, you can use frozen meatballs instead of making your own.

Laura is the founder and editor of the travel blogs Savored Sips and Savored Journeys. She is dedicated to sharing the best information about drinks found around the world.
What brand of chili crunch? I’ve never heard of chili crunch and google brings up MANY options including chili onion crunch, chili garlic crunch, and chili crisp. So I’m curious as to what you used.
I know what you mean, there are many brands and types out there. We like to use Momofuku Chili Crunch.
Awesome, thanks so much! I will try it with this!