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    Spaghetti and Italian Meatball Appetizers

    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Spaghetti and Italian Meatball Appetizers

    Published: Sep 11, 2020 · Modified: Dec 18, 2023 by Jessica · This post may contain affiliate links · 34 Comments

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    You will love these easy spaghetti and Italian meatball appetizers! They're the perfect pasta appetizers for Thanksgiving, Christmas, book club or game day parties.

    corner of a white platter with mini spaghetti and meatball appetizers on a stick

    You guys, let me tell you, these spaghetti and Italian meatball appetizers are a solid 10/10! Not only are they the perfect appetizer for any party or gathering, but they are super easy to throw together for any occasion.

    Meatball Appetizers Italian

    I mean... is there anything more adorable than mini spaghetti and meatballs on a stick? The best thing about this recipe is how both adults and kids adore them. No matter where you serve these, I guarantee they will be gone in a flash.

    If you love appetizers here are a few of our other fan favorites: Perfect Cheese Ball, Easy Bruschetta Dip, Pomegranate Apple Salad, Veggie Tray Wreath, Pepper Jelly, Cold Italian Pasta Salad and Feta and Cranberry Pinwheels.

    pre cooked meatballs in a skillet next to the package with fresh herbs on the side

    Italian Meatball Appetizer

    Because the recipe is made with the Italian Style pre-cooked meatballs, they are fast and easy to whip up, without sacrificing any flavor!

    My favorite ones to use are Italian Style Cooked Perfect Meatballs, but if you have extra time and want to go above and beyond, use our amazing homemade meatballs!

    Our homemade meatballs are so delicious you can totally get away with serving them as an appetizer all their own.

    birds eye view of an Italian meatball appetizer with a stickWe totally get that sometimes you are in a rush though, and using store bought meatballs still works great. Plus, it leaves you with leftover time to party prep.

    Fancy Meatball Appetizers Ingredients

    • Alfredo Sauce
    • Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese
    • Egg
    • Marinara Sauce
    • Italian Style Meatballs
    • Fresh Basil
    • Long Toothpicks

    a spatula getting pasta out of a muffin tin

    Spaghetti Appetizers

    These easy appetizers are about to become your permanent hosting solution. I adore the color palette of these bites for the Christmas season, but they work for parties and hosting year round. They are simple, delicious and definitely a crowd pleaser.

    You ready for the easy recipe?

    Spaghetti and Meatball Appetizers garnished with parmesan cheese and fresh basil

    Spaghetti and Italian Meatball Appetizer Recipe

    If you make this recipe and like it, we would love for you to leave us a positive comment and review! They mean so much to us.

    You will love these easy spaghetti and meatball appetizers! Perfect for tailgating, impressing house guests or serving at parties! I promise they will disappear in a blink!

    Spaghetti On a Stick Appetizers

    You will love these easy spaghetti and meatball appetizers. Perfect for tailgating, impressing house guests or serving at parties. I promise they will disappear in a blink.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 48
    Calories: 71kcal
    Author: Pretty Providence

    Video

    Ingredients

    • 8 Ounces Angel Hair Pasta
    • ½ Cup Alfredo Sauce
    • ½ Cup Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese
    • 1 Egg Beaten with Fork
    • 1 Cup Marinara Sauce
    • 1 Bag Italian Style Cooked Perfect Meatballs
    • Fresh Basil To Garnish
    • Fresh Parmesan Cheese To Garnish
    • Long Toothpicks

    Instructions

    • Cook your pasta al dente according to the directions on the box. Drain your pasta and immediately mix with ½ cup alfredo sauce, ¼ cup parmesan cheese and your beaten egg.
    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a mini muffin tin (24 holes).
    • Fill each of the 24 holes with pasta mixture and use a fork to twirl pasta together. Press down with clean fingertips to create a nest. Make sure each hole is full with pasta. Repeat with another pan if you have excess pasta mixture.
    • Bake for 15 for 20 minutes on the middle oven rack or until just browning. Remove nests to cool.
    • While nests are baking heat the marinara sauce and meatballs until warmed through.
    • Put a meatball on a toothpick and insert into the middle of each nest. Garnish with parmesan and fresh basil if desired. 

    Notes

    If you would rather use homemade meatballs instead of pre-cooked find our awesome recipe here. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 84mg | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @prettyprovidenceblog or tag #prettyprovidence!

    white platter with spaghetti and Italian meatball bites next to fresh basil

    Well what do you think, will you give them a try? If you do, I'd love if you came back and left a review so other people can benefit too. Happy gathering friends.

    xo, jessica-about-1

    Spaghetti and Italian Meatball AppetizersSpaghetti and Italian Meatball AppetizersSpaghetti and Italian Meatball AppetizersSpaghetti and Italian Meatball Appetizers
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Rosemary Mamie Adkins

      March 13, 2025 at 4:40 am

      5 stars
      What a fantastic idea! We had a candy company for years, and making anything on a stick was a hit. Now this is so clever. But, the touch is this crazy toothpick and I can't find one so artistic! Where did they come from, please? Thyank you, Mamie

      Reply
    2. Jen

      December 02, 2024 at 3:07 pm

      Could I use spaghetti noodles vice angle hair?

      Reply
      • Jessica

        December 02, 2024 at 9:43 pm

        Yes you can, it will just change the texture a bit.

        Reply
    3. Sharina

      December 27, 2023 at 5:21 am

      5 stars
      These looks good and appetizing! They're the star of the night last Christmas eve! So delicious and pleasing!

      Reply
    4. Abby

      December 26, 2023 at 6:08 pm

      5 stars
      As a spaghetti lover, I've never had a spaghetti appetizer! When I saw these I knew I had to try the. They were so fun to eat! Delicious too.

      Reply
    5. April

      December 26, 2023 at 1:50 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a cute and brilliant idea! It was super easy to put together and looked and tasted amazing - we loved it!

      Reply
    6. Cindy Eldridge

      August 31, 2023 at 2:54 pm

      5 stars
      I have made these spaghetti meatball appetizer several times & each time they were a hit. I make a big batch of nests & freeze them. I can take as many nests out as I need depending on the size of the group. The nests are the most time consuming to make. The sauce & meatballs are the easy part to add to the premade nests. After assembling them I top with shredded mozzarella & pop in the oven for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees

      Reply
      • Jessica

        September 07, 2023 at 1:32 pm

        Such great feedback, thanks Cindy!

        Reply
    7. Kathy

      August 24, 2023 at 10:55 am

      These look, absolutely adorable. I was wondering if you could use homemade pasta with this as well?

      Reply
      • Jessica

        August 29, 2023 at 4:19 pm

        Absolutely!

        Reply
    8. Karen

      March 08, 2023 at 12:48 pm

      I’m catering a friend’s Italian themed bridal shower and won’t have time to make everything at the last minute. Would the unfilled nests freeze well? And if so would you defrost in the fridge a day before needed?

      Reply
      • Sarah

        March 21, 2023 at 11:04 am

        I really don't know! We haven't tried that. If it works for you, let us know!

        Reply
    9. Kirsten Block

      December 09, 2021 at 9:23 am

      could these be made a day ahead of time and reheated?

      Reply
      • Jessica

        December 13, 2021 at 2:54 pm

        Yes they can!

        Reply
        • Denise Smith

          November 29, 2022 at 8:02 pm

          Hey Jessica- what is the best way to reheat if prepared ahead?

        • Jessica

          December 06, 2022 at 11:39 am

          I'd probably just use the microwave so that the pasta doesn't get brittle in the oven. Or oven on a low heat.

    10. Amy Ireland

      November 27, 2020 at 6:19 am

      5 stars
      When my seven year old son said he wanted to make a spaghetti appetizer for Thanksgiving, I thought he was insane, until I came across this recipe online. It was easy, quick and the end result was fantastic. These were a great hit with everyone and my son felt like a true chef since he was able to make these with very little assistance. I’m pretty sure he has found his signature dish. I wish I could attach a picture to show his masterpiece.

      Reply
      • Sarah

        November 27, 2020 at 6:56 am

        Amy, thank you so much for sharing how much you all loved it! I'm so glad he was able to make this - we love the recipe too! :) If you want to you could email us a picture. prettyprovidence@gmail.com

        Reply
    11. Kristine Goodman

      March 22, 2019 at 4:18 pm

      What oven temp. do you bake the spaghetti & meatball appetizers at?

      Reply
    12. Vivian

      February 26, 2019 at 7:57 am

      5 stars
      I made these for our annual Academy Awards Party. They were Super Easy, Super Quick and Super Delicious! The pre-made Turkey meatballs I purchased were so large that cut them in half before placing them on top of the angel hair nests — that way, it made them easy “one-bite” appetizers. What a hit they were! Originally I only planned on making 24, which became 48 when I halved the meatballs, but they were so Popular, I ended up making 96 by the end of the Oscars!! Easy peasy, and everyone went home with a smile and a full belly! Thank You!

      Reply
      • Sarah

        February 26, 2019 at 9:10 pm

        YAY! I'm so glad they were a hit! We never seem to make enough either, they go so fast! :)

        Reply
    13. Barbara Burgelin

      February 22, 2019 at 9:01 pm

      I don't see a recipe for the marinara sauce. Is there a type that you buy ready-made?

      Reply
      • Sarah

        February 24, 2019 at 12:38 pm

        Our favorite is Prego, but you can use whatever brand you like!

        Reply
    14. Connie

      September 17, 2018 at 1:53 am

      5 stars
      NO way! This looks so cute and fun! I'd make this cupcake-size as a small lunch. Love it!

      Reply
      • Corrina

        February 05, 2023 at 6:21 pm

        What a great idea!! Lunch cupcake!

        Reply
    15. Michael Wurm Jr

      September 16, 2018 at 6:47 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of the most creative appetizers I've seen! So cute and so well done! Love them!!

      xo Michael

      Reply
    16. rachael Yerkes

      September 16, 2018 at 9:29 am

      5 stars
      These are just too fun! I love the little nests and those cooked perfect meatballs. Yum.

      Reply
      • Jessica

        September 16, 2018 at 1:46 pm

        Aren't they so cute! And yes they are delicious!

        Reply
        • Michelle Novak

          November 05, 2018 at 5:56 pm

          What temperature are they baked at?

        • Jessica

          November 07, 2018 at 2:16 pm

          350 degrees! So sorry about that!

    17. Jamielyn Nye

      September 15, 2018 at 3:16 pm

      5 stars
      amazing!! These make the perfect appetizer!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        September 16, 2018 at 1:47 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
        • Michael Bradley

          February 28, 2019 at 11:14 am

          Jessica,

          Can the nests be made a day ahead and refrigerated and then reheated with the meatballs?

        • Jessica

          March 05, 2019 at 2:01 pm

          I've never done it, but I imagine that would work just fine! I do it all the time with my larger spaghetti pie!

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