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BBQ Meatballs Spicy Mayo Rolls

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

Enjoy savory BBQ-glazed meatballs served with a bold, spicy mayo dip, paired perfectly with soft dinner rolls or mini buns. These tender meatballs, crafted from ground meat, breadcrumbs, and spices, simmer in flavorful barbecue sauce until richly coated. Whisk together creamy mayo, sriracha, and zesty lemon for a simple yet punchy dip. Pile the saucy meatballs and your favorite toppings into warm rolls for crowd-pleasing mini sandwiches or keep things simple as bite-sized party snacks. Quick to prepare and perfect for gatherings, family meals, or festive occasions.

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Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 18:22:42 GMT
A person is dipping meatballs in sauce. Save
A person is dipping meatballs in sauce. | recipesfoodyummy.com

These BBQ meatballs with spicy mayo dip and soft rolls are my go-to for casual gatherings or whenever I want to turn a weeknight dinner into something special. The juicy meatballs are glazed in sticky barbecue sauce and paired with a creamy, zippy dip. Whether you serve them as mini sandwiches or party bites, you will find them disappearing fast.

I first put these meatballs out for a game night and they were the first thing gone. The spicy mayo dip adds just the right kick that has everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef or mix with pork or turkey: brings a rich and savory base. Choose freshly ground meat with a bit of fat for juicier meatballs
  • Breadcrumbs: help bind the mixture and give a tender bite. Fresh or panko style both work well
  • Egg: acts as the glue holding everything together
  • Milk: moistens the mixture and keeps meatballs from drying out
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: add extra flavor with no chopping needed. Look for fresh spices for best results
  • Salt and pepper: round out the seasoning. Taste your mix before rolling
  • BBQ sauce: forms the sticky glaze. A smoky or tangy brand is my favorite

For the Spicy Mayo Dip

  • Mayonnaise: creates a creamy, rich base. Use real mayo for best taste
  • Sriracha or hot sauce: brings the heat. Adjust to your spice preference
  • Lemon juice or vinegar: brightens up the dip
  • Paprika: adds color and a hint of smokiness

For Serving

  • Soft dinner rolls or mini buns: are perfect for easy sandwiches
  • Optional toppings like lettuce leaves, pickles, or cheese slices: add crunch and flavor variety

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Meatball Mix:
Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Mash everything together with clean hands until just blended. Overmixing makes meatballs tough
Form the Meatballs:
Use a tablespoon or your hands to shape the mixture into small balls about an inch and a half across. Try to keep them the same size for even cooking
Brown the Meatballs:
Add a splash of oil to a skillet and heat it over medium. Place meatballs in a single layer and let them sear all around turning gently for five to seven minutes. Goldenness is key for that flavor boost
Glaze and Simmer:
Lower the heat and pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the browned meatballs. Stir gently to coat. Let them simmer uncovered for about ten to fifteen minutes until cooked through and sticky
Mix the Spicy Mayo:
In a bowl stir together mayo, sriracha, lemon juice, and paprika until smooth. Chill in the fridge until serving time. This dip brings it all together
Serve and Assemble:
Arrange the meatballs on a platter with soft rolls or buns and any toppings you love. You can build little sandwiches or let everyone do their own. Dish up the spicy mayo dip on the side for dunking
A plate of meatballs with sauce. Save
A plate of meatballs with sauce. | recipesfoodyummy.com

My kids always beg for extra cheese on theirs and we have a family tradition of testing new BBQ sauces every time we make these. Trying different brands keeps it fun and fresh.

Storage Tips

Cooked meatballs keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet or in the microwave so they stay moist. You can freeze the meatballs before or after cooking—just thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in ground turkey or a pork beef mix if you prefer leaner or lighter meatballs. Panko gives a lighter crumb for those who want an extra tender bite. If you are out of sriracha, any hot sauce will work for the mayo dip

Serving Suggestions

Serve meatballs piled on a platter sprinkled with chopped parsley or scallions for color. Offer a bar of toppings for building sandwiches—lettuce, pickles, or thin cheese slices are all favorites. For appetizer style stick toothpicks in each meatball for easy grabbing and dipping

Cultural Context

BBQ meatballs take classic flavors everyone loves and make them party ready. Dips and slider rolls turn what could be an ordinary dish into something interactive and fun for gatherings. There is a reason these appear on so many family holiday tables and potlucks—they are both nostalgic and crowd pleasing

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or pork, or use a mix, for a lighter or different flavor profile.

→ How spicy is the mayo dip?

The heat level depends on your chosen hot sauce and amount used. Adjust sriracha for a milder or spicier dip.

→ What kind of rolls work best for serving?

Soft dinner rolls or mini buns are ideal for sandwiches. You can also use slider buns or brioche.

→ Can the meatballs be prepared ahead?

Yes, cook and glaze the meatballs in advance, then reheat gently before serving to maintain tenderness.

→ What toppings pair well with these meatballs?

Lettuce, pickles, and cheese slices complement the meatballs and add extra flavor and texture.

→ How can I serve these as appetizers?

Arrange the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks, and offer the spicy mayo dip on the side for easy snacking.

BBQ Meatballs Spicy Mayo Rolls

BBQ-glazed meatballs and spicy mayo dip, enjoyed with soft rolls. Great for group meals or casual parties.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
25 mins
Total Duration
40 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Portions Yielded: 6 Serving Size (Approximately 18 meatballs with 6–8 rolls)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Meatballs

01 450g ground beef (or a blend of pork and turkey)
02 60g breadcrumbs
03 1 large egg
04 60ml milk
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 120ml BBQ sauce

→ Spicy Mayo Dip

09 120g mayonnaise
10 15ml sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
11 5ml lemon juice or vinegar
12 2.5ml paprika (optional)

→ To Serve

13 6 to 8 soft dinner rolls or mini buns
14 Lettuce leaves (optional)
15 Pickle slices (optional)
16 Cheese slices (optional)

Steps To Follow

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.

Step 02

Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs approximately 3 to 4cm in diameter.

Step 03

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a thin layer of oil. Sear the meatballs on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes until evenly browned.

Step 04

Reduce heat to low, pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and well coated.

Step 05

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and paprika until the mixture is smooth. Refrigerate until required.

Step 06

Arrange the glazed meatballs on a platter accompanied by the dinner rolls or mini buns. Offer lettuce, pickles, and cheese as optional toppings and serve alongside the spicy mayo dip for dipping or sandwich assembly.

Notes and Tips

  1. Insert toothpicks for easy serving at events or gatherings.
  2. For a crowd, double the ingredients and batch size accordingly.
  3. To achieve a melty texture, add shredded cheese to the rolls before assembling sandwiches.

Required Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Non-stick skillet or frying pan
  • Whisk
  • Cooking spoon or spatula
  • Serving platter

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains egg
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains mayonnaise (egg-based)

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 420
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 22 g