In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, minced onion, three cloves minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing creates dense, tough meatballs. Form mixture into 24 balls about one and a half inches in diameter.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add meatballs in two batches. Brown for about 5-7 minutes per batch, rolling occasionally to develop an even crust on all sides. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside temporarily.

In the same skillet, whisk together honey, soy sauce, four cloves minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then whisk into the simmering sauce. Cook for exactly 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon. The easy honey garlic cocktail meatballs recipe requires this crucial thickening step for proper coating.

Return all meatballs to the skillet and gently stir to coat completely with the glaze. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-8 minutes until meatballs heat through and flavors meld beautifully. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.