Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Carne Diem
Protein: 
Origin: North American, American
Method: Grill, Oven, or Stovetop
Jump to RecipeWhen it comes to the ultimate party appetizer, meatballs are always a crowd favorite. But if you want to move past the basic slow-cooker recipes and serve something truly unforgettable, it's time to level up.
Enter, Grilled Wagyu Meatballs. By combining the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture of Wagyu beef with a smoky char and a "triple threat" glaze, you're creating the gold standard of gourmet appetizers.
Table of contents
Gourmet Grilled Wagyu Meatballs with Sweet & Spicy Bacon Jam Glaze
Why Wagyu Beef for Meatballs?
You might think save the Wagyu for steaks, but using ground Wagyu beef for meatballs is a total game-changer. Because Wagyu has a higher percentage of intramuscular fat (marbling), the meatballs stay incredibly juicy even over the high heat of a grill. They don't just taste like beef; they taste like luxury.
The Secret "Triple Threat" Sauce
The real star of this show is the glaze. We're skipping the grape jelly and moving straight to a sophisticated blend of chili sauce, jalapeno jelly, and bacon jam. This meatball glaze smacks with sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
Looking for more great appetizer ideas to serve at your next gathering? Check out some of our favorites:
- Blackstone Cajun Salmon Bites Recipe
- Smoked Hot Shrimp and Crab Dip Appetizer
- Brazilian Style Blackstone Steak Bites
- Pub Style Irish Nachos
- The Best Smoked Skillet Chili con Queso
- Crispy Fried Sausage Wontons
- Wood Fire Pizza Dip
Ingredients For Making Grilled Wagyu Meatballs
For the Wagyu Meatballs:
In addition to the Wagyu ground beef, you will only need a handful of common ingredients to make the grilled meatballs. Here is what you will need.
Ground Wagyu Beef: You will need 1 pound of ground Wagyu beef. This is being much easier to find these days, and is often even carried at Costco and Wal-Mart.
Italian Breadcrumbs: We like the added flavor of Italian style breadcrumbs. Panko makes a good substitute.
1 Egg: lightly beaten
Grated Parmesan Cheese: The parmesan cheese adds a hint of cheesy, saltiness to the meatballs.
Minced Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is our go to here.
Dried Herbs and Spices: We use a mix of parsley, basil, and garlic salt.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
For the Bacon Jam Glaze:
This 3 ingredient meatball glaze is savory, sweet, and a little spicy. It is the perfect combination for the smoky grilled wagyu meatballs.
- Bacon Jam (store-bought or homemade): The bacon jam adds a smoky, salty, and savory depth. Our Favorite is Terrapin Ridge Hot Berry Bacon Jam
- Chili Sauce: Chili Sauce adds a smoky, salty, and savory depth. We typically use Heinz, but choose your favorite
- Jalapeño Jelly: This slightly spicy jelly delivers a sweet heat that cuts through the richness of the Wagyu. Our favorite is Pepperlane Sweet Heat
How to Make the Ultimate Appetizer Meatballs
1. Prep the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground Wagyu, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and spices. Pro Tip: Do not overwork the meat! Mix just until combined to keep the texture light and airy. Roll into 1-inch balls (perfect bite-sized appetizers). This recipe should make about 20 meatballs.
2. Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grates. Place the meatballs on the grill and sear for 2-3 minutes per side. You're looking for those beautiful grill marks and a slight smoky char. For ease of use and transport, we will typically grill the meatballs on a grill sheet/pan.
Be sure to flip the grilled meatballs about halfway through the cook, and remove from the heat when the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 155 degrees.
Check out more of our grilled recipes, perfect for your summer cookout:
- Asado Style Argentinian Beef Short Ribs on Your Grill
- Moroccan Grilled Kefta Kebabs
- Authentic Provoleta: Argentinian Grilled Cheese
- Easy Hawaiian Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Thighs
- Easy Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers Recipe
- Grilled Clams Casino
- Grilled Cevapi: Balkan Style Sausages
3. Prepare the Glaze
While the meatballs are grilling, whisk together the bacon jam, chili sauce, and jalapeño jelly.
If eating immediately, we recommend briefly warming the glaze in a saucepan over low heat. Let it simmer until the jelly is melted and the sauce is glossy and thick. If the meatballs are going to go into a crockpot, you can skip this step and just add the glaze to the crockpot with the cooked meatballs.
4. The Final Toss
Once the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 155°F, remove them from the grill. Toss them immediately in the warm glaze until every inch is coated in that sticky, sweet, and spicy goodness or add them to a crockpot or slow cooker to enjoy throughout the game.
Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Party Spread
These meatballs are rich, so they pair beautifully with:
- Pickled Red Onions: To add a bright, acidic crunch.
- Cooling Dip: A side of herbed Greek yogurt or crema.
- Skewers: Serve them on individual bamboo knots for an upscale "cocktail party" feel.
Expert Tip: If you're short on time, you can grill the meatballs ahead of time and keep them warm in a slow cooker with the sauce, but for the best texture, serve them fresh off the flame!
More Appetizer Inspiration
Looking for more easy appetizer recipes? This Wagyu meatball recipe is perfect for game days, holiday parties, or even a fancy date night at home. The combination of high-quality beef and a complex sauce ensures there won't be a single one left on the platter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike standard grocery store beef which ranges from 80/20 to 93/7, Wagyu ground beef usually sits around: 75/25 or even 70/30.
According to the World Wagyu Council, Wagyu fat contains a higher concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (the "good" fats found in olive oil) and Omega-3s compared to standard beef. While it's still a high-calorie food, the fat profile is technically more heart-friendly than that of conventional grain-fed cattle.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven, slow cooker, or microwave.
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📖 Recipe
Grilled Wagyu Meatballs with a Bacon-Jalapeno Jelly Glaze.
Ingredients
- 1` pound Wagyu Ground Beef
- ¼ Cup Italian Breadcrumbs
- ⅛ Cup Grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
- 1 Egg
- ½ teaspoon Dried Parsley
- ½ teaspoon Dried Basil
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Bacon-Jalapeno Meatball Glaze
- 6 ounces Chili Sauce
- 3 ounces Jalapeno Jelly or other pepper jelly
- 3 ounces Bacon Jam
Instructions
- Combine the ground Wagyu, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parmesan and spices in a bowl and gently mix to combine.
- Gently roll into about 20 equal sized balls, about 1 inch (1 ounce) each.
- In a seperate bowl, combine the pepper jelly, chili sauce, and bacon jam.
- If grazing directly, warm the jelly mixture over low heat until melted and combined. If using in a crockpot, you can skip this step.
- Preheat your grill to medium high-heat, about 400 degrees.
- Cook the meatball over direct heat for about 2-3 minutes per side. Flip every couple minutes and remove when the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 155 degrees.
- Remove the meatballs from the heat and add to the crockpot with the bacon pepper glaze or glaze with the warm jelly mixure.
- Enjoy!
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