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Maple apple sage pork meatballs coated in glossy maple glaze with finely chopped sage in a cast iron skillet
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Maple Apple Sage Pork Meatballs with Maple Glaze

Juicy Maple Apple Sage Pork Meatballs are packed with grated apple, fresh sage, and savory ground pork, then coated in a glossy maple glaze. These sweet and savory pork meatballs are perfect for fall dinners, holiday appetizers, or cozy weeknight meals. Serve these maple glazed pork meatballs with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice for an easy, flavorful dish.
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Fall
Keyword apple sage meatballs, apple sage pork meatballs, fall pork meatballs, maple apple pork meatballs, maple apple sage pork meatballs, maple glazed pork meatballs, maple pork meatballs, maple pork meatballs recipe, pork meatballs with maple glaze, savory maple pork meatballs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320kcal
Cost $9 for entire recipe

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Box grater (for apple)
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • small bowl for glaze
  • Tongs or spoon (for turning meatballs)

Ingredients

Pork Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/3 cup finely grated apple lightly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh sage
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced onion lightly sautéed or grated
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • pinch smoked paprika optional
  • 1 tablespoon oil for cooking

Maple Glaze

  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • pinch salt

Instructions

Make the Meatball Mixture

  • In a large bowl, combine ground pork, grated apple, sage, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

Form the Meatballs

  • Roll the mixture into 1½ tablespoon-sized meatballs. You should get about 16–18 meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 2–3 minutes more until cooked through.
  • Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Maple Glaze

  • In the same skillet, add maple syrup, butter, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.

Glaze the Meatballs

  • Return meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat in the maple glaze. Cook for 1–2 minutes until evenly coated.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

  • Finely grate the apple so it blends smoothly into the pork mixture and keeps the maple apple sage pork meatballs tender and juicy.
  • Fresh sage is strongly recommended for the best flavor in these maple glazed pork meatballs; dried sage can taste overpowering.
  • Lightly sauté or grate the onion to prevent a sharp raw onion flavor and improve texture.
  • Do not overmix the pork mixture or the meatballs may become dense instead of soft and tender.
  • Cook the meatballs until browned first, then finish covered to ensure they stay juicy inside.
  • Simmer the maple glaze until slightly thick so it coats the apple sage pork meatballs evenly.
  • If the glaze thickens too much, add a teaspoon of water to loosen it.
  • These maple apple sage pork meatballs can be served as an appetizer, dinner, or holiday party dish.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.
  • Leftover maple apple sage pork meatballs reheat well in a skillet with a splash of water.