Today, I’m sharing a fantastic recipe from one of my cookbooks: Meatballs in apricot chipotle sauce. While I usually lean toward sweet bakes, I truly love a good savory snack too – and the cookbook this recipe comes from is filled with them.
This particular meatball recipe is one of my favorites. The book is currently only available in Dutch, but I love sharing bits and pieces here, so let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Flavor Twist – If you’re a meatball fan, this unique variation will surprise and delight you.
- Sweet & Spicy – The smoky heat of chipotle paired with the sweet tang of apricot jam? It’s simply irresistible.
- Quick & Easy – No complicated steps – just simple pantry staples and a one-pan finish.
Recipe Ingredients
- Minced Chicken – I used chicken for a lighter twist, but you can use any meatball recipe you love (like my classic Dutch meatballs).
- Chipotle Sauce – I used a ready-made chipotle sauce for convenience, but feel free to use chipotle peppers in adobo – just mince them finely.
- Apricot Jam – I used apricot jam for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, but other apricot preserves will work just fine too.
How To Make Meatballs with Apricot-Chipotle Sauce
The real star here is the sauce – it’s bold, sweet, and smoky with just the right amount of heat.
- Start with your meatballs. Use homemade or store-bought, whatever suits your time and taste.
- Make the sauce. Combine chipotle sauce and apricot jam in a small bowl – yes, it’s that simple.
- Simmer together. Add the sauce to the meatballs in a pan and let everything simmer gently. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks and coat the meatballs beautifully.
Serve warm and enjoy every sticky, flavorful bite.
Storing Meatballs with Apricot Chipotle Sauce
These meatballs store well and taste just as delicious the next day!
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating tip: Warm gently on the stovetop to bring the sauce back to a glossy, fresh-from-the-pan shine.