Breakfast meatballs might not be the first thing that comes to mind in the morning… but once you try them, there's no going back. These are packed with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a homemade sausage seasoning that gives you all the classic breakfast flavors in one bite. Dip them in maple syrup, and suddenly breakfast just got a whole lot more interesting.
The best part is that these easy breakfast meatballs are perfect for meal prep, brunch, or a quick, protein-packed breakfast option!
If you love a good meatball situation (same), you'll also want to try my Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Meatballs. They've got that crispy, cheesy vibe going on, just in a more dinner-friendly way. Honestly… making both and calling it a "meatball day" is not a bad plan.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Classic Breakfast Flavor, No Fuss - All the sausage and bacon vibes without standing over the stove flipping patties
- Make-Ahead Friendly - Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd without the stress
- Sweet + Savory Combo - That maple syrup dip? It's the thing that makes people go back for seconds
- Gluten Free + Low FODMAP - Made with ingredients that actually work for your gut
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What You'll Need
- Ground Pork - Bulk ground pork without seasonings.
- Bacon - Adds the perfect smoky, salty, fatty flavor.
- Sausage Seasoning Mix- kosher salt, dried parsley, poultry seasoning, black pepper, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, ground coriander- this mix is based on this breakfast sausage recipe.
- Green Onions - Adds a touch of onion flavor.
- Milk - Use regular milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- Egg - This is used to hold the meatballs together.
- Quick Oats - The meatballs need filler, and quick oats provide the perfect texture.
- Shredded Cheese - Use cheddar for a classic flavor profile.
See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Using a food processor or a sharp knife and cutting board, finely chop the bacon into small pieces. Add to a large bowl.
Step 2: In the mixing bowl, add the ground pork, salt, parsley, poultry seasoning, ground black pepper, dried thyme, crushed red pepper, and ground coriander. Add the chopped green onions, milk, egg, quick oats and cheddar cheese.
With clean hands, mix the meatballs until combined.
Step 3: Using a small cookie scoop, place equally sized meatballs on a parchment paper-covered baking sheet. Once proportioned out, use clean hands to roll into meatballs.
Step 4: Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 25-30 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees is reached.
Serve the baked meatballs with a small dish of maple syrup.
Tips and Tricks
Use a favorite breakfast sausage and skip the seasoning mix!
Meal prep a double batch and enjoy half of the breakfast sausage meatballs right away. Freeze the other half until it is time to meal-prep breakfast.
Ingredient Swaps
- Ground Turkey - Swap out the ground pork for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Oats - Old-fashioned oats will also work but will be visible in the meatball rather than being absorbed like quick oats.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Breakfast Meatballs: Double the amount of crushed red pepper, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne powder, and use pepperjack cheese instead of cheddar.
Eggy Breakfast Meatballs: Chop two hard-boiled eggs and add the meatball mixture.
Storing and Reheating
Store: Keep any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheat: Microwave leftover meatballs for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Cut in half to speed up the process. Another option is using a skillet on the stovetop to reheat.
Freeze: Chilled leftover meatballs will freeze wonderfully. Use a freezer-friendly container or a ziplock bag and keep the meatballs in the freezer for up to four months. Defrost and reheat.
FAQs
Make a breakfast skewer with a quarter of a waffle or mini pancake, strawberry, and a breakfast meatball. Such a fun way to serve breakfast!
Yes, they are perfect for brunch. Add in hashbrowns, eggs, and even bloody marys!
Yes! These are perfect for meal prep. Cook them fully, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat as needed. You can also freeze them for a longer storage option.
What To Serve With Breakfast Meatballs
There are a few fun ways to serve these, depending on your mood (or how chaotic your morning is):
For a classic breakfast:
Serve with scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, or a slice of gluten free toast. Add fresh fruit on the side to balance out the rich, savory flavors.
For brunch or hosting:
Turn these into breakfast skewers with mini pancakes or waffles and fresh berries. It looks fancy, but it's secretly very easy.
For breakfast-for-dinner (my favorite):
Pair with crispy potatoes or sheet pan eggs with cottage cheese and call it a night. Honestly, this might be the best way to enjoy them.
More Loveable Meatball Recipes
- Swedish Meatballs - Better than IKEA's!
- Ham Balls - Another great pork meatball recipe using ham and ground pork!
- Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Meatballs - crispy, cheesy, and great dipped in marinara.
Love This Recipe?
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating + comment. It helps so much, and we love hearing from everyone! Thank You -Venessa
Recipe
Breakfast Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork (Note 1)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- 8 strips bacon
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- ½ cup milk (Note 2)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup quick oats (Note 3)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add the eight strips of uncooked bacon to a food processor and pulse until chopped into small pieces. Otherwise, use a sharp knife and cutting board to chop.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped bacon, ground pork, and the seasoning mix: salt, parsley, poultry seasoning, ground black pepper, dried thyme, crushed red pepper, and ground coriander.
- Next, add the green onions, milk, egg, quick oats, and shredded cheese.
- Using clean hands, mix the meat mixture until combined.
- Grab a small cookie scoop and place equally sized meatballs on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Once proportioned out, use your hands to roll into meatballs.
- Bake meatballs in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Serve meatballs with maple syrup for dipping.
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