When looking for a quick and easy recipes for party food, that will feed a crowd with minimal effort, I always choose meatball appetizers. They are hearty, filling, and when made in the slow cooker, they are the easiest party food around. Pick out one of these delicious recipes for your next party!
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When looking for a quick and easy recipes for party food, that will feed a crowd with minimal effort, I always choose meatball appetizers.
They are hearty, filling, and when made in the slow cooker, they are the easiest party food around. Pick out one of these delicious recipes for your next party!
Crockpot Meatballs make the perfect appetizers. They are a great option when you are struggling to find something to serve and most only require minimal prep. Just toss in the cooked meatballs, add the sauce and you are good to go.
Cut the prep with precooked frozen meatballs you find at the market.
Check out these meatball appetizer recipes for the best ways to bring frozen meatballs to the next level. Perfect for parties, tailgating, or any occasion where you are getting together with friends and family.
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Tips for Meatball Appetizers
Planning on serving meatballs at your next get together? Here are some tips for making your recipe perfect!
How to make homemade meatballs for appetizers
Use ground beef or pork for meatballs as they will make the juiciest ones. If you are using ground turkey or chicken, be sure to add some fat to the mixture or they will be dry. Combine the ingredients, place meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer.
If you start with lean ground beef or meat you will need to add moisture to them by adding milk, bread crumbs, or another meat with more fat in it. Like sausage.
When baking the meatballs, be sure to leave a little space between each one so they can sear on all sides and keep in their juices. Cool and freeze until ready to use. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 145F. If making them from poultry, be sure they reach 165F.
Here are some recipes for homemade frozen meatballs and a gluten free option too.
Do I need to thaw the meatballs before adding to my slow cooker?
The beauty of a crock pot recipe is that you can add frozen meatballs directly to it. Simply add in the sauce ingredients and give them a stir.
Do I need to cook the meatballs first?
Most of the meatballs you find in the frozen foods section of the grocery store are precooked. If they are not, or if you are making them homemade, be sure to cook them before adding to the slow cooker.
How to keep cocktail meatballs warm during a party
If you are making slow cooker meatball appetizers, simply turn the temperature to either low or the warm setting on your crockpot.
Cooking them a different way? You can add the meatballs and sauce to a chafing dish or place in a pot on the stove top. If you are hosting an outdoor party, place them in a disposable aluminum pan and place on indirect heat on your grill or smoker.
Beef Meatball Appetizers
1. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Not your traditional recipe with Russian dressing and apricot preserves but you must try it! Perfectly sweet and sour with a dash of Worcestershire sauce to balance it all out.
2. Grape Jelly Meatballs
A great recipe because it has just 3 ingredients. It’s one of the easiest appetizers around. Grab some frozen meatballs from the grocery store.
3. Green Chili Meatballs
4. Jalapeno Popper Meatballs
If you love a jalapeno popper with its creamy cheese, spicy jalapeno peppers, and bacon, you will love these meatballs.
Baked in the oven and served with salsa and guacamole, these will turn your Fiesta Friday on it’s head!
5. Steakhouse Meatballs
Made with bbq sauce and a homemade steak seasoning, these are rich and delicious!
6. Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Smaller than sliders these mini bacon cheeseburger meatballs are super cute and fun for a kid’s party or backyard gathering.
Don’t they just scream summer?!?
7. Meatloaf Meatballs
Meatloaf is a classic dish made with ground beef just like meatballs, so it only goes that we need min meatloaf meatballs. This dish usually served as a large slice on top of mashed potatoes, you will love these bite sized portions that are a great party appetizer.
8. Honey Mustard Meatballs
The perfect blend of smoky bbq sauce, sweet honey, and tangy Dijon mustard. Topped with pickled mustard seeds, these are a unique party meatball!
9. Ranch Meatballs
A zest mixture of ground beef, ranch seasoning, and breadcrumbs make tender and juicy meatballs. Perfect for dipping in Buffalo sauce for game day or serve with a side of rice and a green salad for an easy meal the whole family will love.
10. BBQ Bacon Meatballs
If you like meatballs just the way are, you haven’t tried them wrapped in bacon! Juicy to begin with, once they are wrapped in the smoky bacon, and brushed with tangy barbecue sauce, you will do a happy dance.
Serve with coleslaw or corn on the cob for a fun meal.
11. Porcupine Meatballs
A budget friendly appetizer or dinner, these meatballs that are studded with rice, are slow simmered in a right tomato sauce.
I love them as a meal but they are super easy as a party appetizer too.
12. BBQ Bourbon Meatballs
The mixture of bbq sauce, honey, molasses, and a dash of bourbon is one of tastiest sauces I have ever tried. Not only is it delicious on these slow cooker meatballs, I use it on chicken and pork too!
13. Honey Garlic Meatballs
Juicy meatballs slow cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made with ketchup, soy sauce, and honey. The zesty garlic is perfectly balanced with rich brown sugar making a delicious appetizer.
Serve them over steamed rice for an easy meal!
14. Cranberry Meatballs
Made in the instant pot, these holiday meatballs are the perfect appetizer for your gathering. Tangy cranberry sauce, mixed with a sweet and spicy chili sauce, hit all the tastebuds in just the right way.
15. Stuffed Pepper Meatballs
Like your mom’s stuffed peppers but in a fun appetizer portion!
16. Schweddy Balls
Just like the Saturday Night Skit Show made famous, these juicy meatballs are slow cooked in a tangy sweet sauce.
17. Pineapple BBQ Meatballs
These meatballs give new meaning to sweet and tangy!
18. Coca Cola Meatballs
You’ve heard of Dr. Pepper Ribs, try these Coca Cola Meatballs. The perfect balance of sweet and salty and oh so filling!
19. Baked Mexican Meatballs
Full of smoky roasted poblanos and slow simmered in red enchilada sauce, these tender meatballs are a great way to celebrate “Taco Tuesday” in a whole new way!
20. Red Curry Meatballs
Rich and decadent with a little spice from the red curry paste. They are perfectly balanced with coconut milk to cool the fire.
21. Italian Meatballs
Made with juice ground beef and Italian seasoning, simmered in marinara sauce, and topped with parmesan cheese. Serve in slider buns for mini meatball subs or over spaghetti for dinner!
Pork Meatball Appetizers
22. Hawaiian Meatballs
Also known as Waikiki meatballs, the sweet pineapple and fragrant ginger make the perfect sauce for meatballs. Serve with some steamed rice and sliced green onions.
23. Teriyaki Meatballs
Sweet and tangy with a sticky glaze that will have you licking your fingers. Top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for even more flavor and texture.
24. Swedish Meatballs
If you love shopping at IKEA like I do, then you are familiar with their famous Swedish Meatballs. Save your money by skipping the shopping trip and make them at home.
The mixture of ground beef and ground pork, cooked into juicy meatballs. Not only are the delicious, but when simmered in a creamy sauce that can’t be beat.
I love serving these over egg noodles but also enjoy eating them right out of the pan.
25. Iowa Ham Balls
Got leftover ham from that giant spiral ham you made for the holidays? Chop the ham fine and mix it with ground pork to make meatballs.
Bake them in this sweet and sticky sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. If you are not a fan of ham, these will change your mind!
26. Char Siew Asian Meatballs
Sweet, spicy, salty, and charred on the outside, like traditional Char Siew style pork that is roasted over an open flame.
The meatballs are delicious but the sauce will have you coming back for second and thirds!
27. Chipotle Pork Meatballs
The unique flavors of the Italian sausage mixed with crushed gingersnaps create fun and tasty appetizer. Simmered in spicy chipotle sauce, they will be the hit of your next party.
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Chicken Meatball Appetizers
28. Nashville Hot Chicken Meatballs
Easier to make than fried chicken, these meatballs are slow simmered in hot and spicy butter sauce. Serve with pickle slices to keep the heat to a minimum.
29. Firecracker Meatballs
The next time you’re looking for delicious dinners, try this recipe for low carb spicy meatballs that everyone will love.
30. Cajun Chicken Meatballs
Tender Chicken Meatballs seared and then simmered in a spicy and rich Cajun cream sauce. Great over dirty rice for a Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras Party.
31. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Taking the flavors from a classic party appetizer, these chicken meatballs are a fool proof, crowd pleasing appetizer.
Baked and tossed in spicy buffalo wing sauce, they are topped with creamy blue cheese crumbles.
32. French Onion Meatballs
The instant pot is the king when making these. The caramelized onions only add to the richness of the dish. Topped with cheese and they only get better.
33. Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Skewers
You don’t have to serve meatballs on tiny forks anymore. These tender chicken meatballs, nestled in between onions, bell peppers, and pineapple, are perfect for the grill. Brush on the sticky teriyaki glaze and serve.
Perfect for that backyard get together.
34. Thai Chicken Meatballs
These sticky Thai meatballs are made with ground turkey, chicken, and lots of veggies. Served in a rich umami sauce they can’t be beat!
35. Chicken Marsala Meatballs
Skip the tedious skillet meat and whip up this classic Italian dish but with meatballs instead!
36. General Tso’s Chicken Meatballs
My second favorite take out dish, I love the ease of this appetizer. The only thing missing is the fortune cookie!
37. Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs
Sweet, spicy, and nutty, these curry meatballs have a rich sauce with a nutty ingredient. Almond butter makes them decadent. Serve with cauliflower rice for a Whole3o meal!
38. BBQ Chicken Meatballs
I can picture my Pa in his Hawaiian shirt, standing over the grill, making his famous bbq chicken every time I make these. Food makes the best the memories!
Other Meatball Appetizers
39. Lamb Meatballs
Take a trip to the Mediterranean with these easy lamb meatballs. The sauce alone is worth the trip!
40. Reuben Meatballs
These are perfect for a St. Patrick’s day get together! Serve on rye toasts for even more flavor.
41. Greek Feta Meatballs (Keftedes)
Made with a mixture of beef, pork, and lamb, these Greek Meatballs are perfect in a pita pocket and topped with Tzatziki sauce. Move over gyros, these will be your new favorite way to fill a sandwich.
42. Tropical Turkey Meatballs
A healthier version of meatballs, they are tossed with a sweet and spicy mango habanero salsa. Definitely a bite of the tropics.
43. Bratwurst and Kraut Meatballs
You love the taste of grilled brats, cooked with beer, you are going to love this meatball recipe! The tender bell peppers add color and served over kraut, the pickle flavor just shines right through.
44. Moroccan Turkey Meatballs
The combo of dried apricots, warm spices, and rich tomato sauce is perfectly balanced with the tart pop of pomegranate seeds.
45. Pastrami Meatballs
Juicy pastrami, mixed with ground beef, make the most tender and moist meatballs. Served with a simple sauce, you will never look at pastrami the same way again.
46. Apple Chili Meatballs
Cozy up with these apple chili meatballs made with apple jelly and spices that will have your mouth watering in no time!
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!
Each of the party meatballs make for easy appetizers or an easy main dish for am busy week night. Make them ahead of time, serve in a crockpot where they will stay warm throughout the entire get together. If they last that long.
More Party Foods
Looking to make any of these appetizer recipes into a full meal? Check out Side Dishes for Meatballs!
Best Cocktail Meatballs
Tangy Sweet Slow Cooker Meatballs
These tangy sweet crockpot meatballs are the perfect party meatball! Made in the crockpot, slow cooker, or instant pot, they are a delicious appetizer!
Grape Jelly Chili Sauce Meatballs
These 3 ingredient Grape Jelly Meatballs are the perfect appetizer for any party or game day celebration.
Green Chile Meatballs with Cheese Sauce
Green Chile Meatballs with Cheese Sauce are an easy ground beef meatball appetizer with a spicy kick that can be kept warm in the slow cooker!
Jalapeno Popper Meatballs
Jalapeno Popper Meatballs are full of jalapeno, bacon, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Served over salsa, they make a fantastic spicy appetizer or meal.
Steakhouse BBQ Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
Tangy, spicy, and a little smoky, these Steakhouse BBQ Meatballs come together quickly and will disappear just as fast! A great party has a meatball appetizer!
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Perfect appetizers – meatballs stacked with all of the ingredients for a deluxe bacon cheeseburger!
Meatloaf Meatballs {Bite Sized Appetizers!}
Meatloaf Meatballs are bite sized appetizers that have all the flavor you love in a classic meatloaf recipe smothered in a tasty sauce!
Honey Mustard Meatballs - Crockpot
These sweet and spicy Honey Mustard Meatballs are perfect for your party. Tangy, with a bit of sweet heat, and made in the crockpot means an easy and addicting appetizer for your guests!
Ranch Meatballs
Dry ranch seasoning, ground beef and breadcrumbs come together to form the best Ranch Meatballs! Perfectly tender, juicy, zesty and delicious!
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
Do you have an easy appetizer recipe that everyone requests for potlucks and Sunday football viewing parties? I have two: Texas Caviar and this bacon wrapped meatball recipe.
Porcupine Meatballs
Porcupine meatballs require only 6 ingredients. Make these saucy tomato meatballs, that are held together with rice in less than 30 minutes!
Slow Cooker Bourbon Meatballs
These flavor-packed Slow Cooker Bourbon Meatballs will be a hit at your next gathering. Just 5 minutes prep time is all that’s needed!
Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs
These Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs can be served as an appetizer or a main meal!
Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs
These meatballs in the Instant Pot are one of the quickest, easiest cocktail meatballs I’ve ever made. So good too!
"Stuffed Pepper" Meatballs
The flavors of traditional stuffed peppers, in a jiffy!
Schweddy Balls
The are bite sized cocktail meatballs with cranberry and chili sauce, warmed to perfection in the slow cooker, and are quickly eaten at any holiday party or game day gathering.
Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs
This Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatball recipe is a family favorite. This recipe is both sweet and tangy that will leave you to want more.
Coca-Cola Meatballs
Coca-Cola Meatballs are comforting, rich, tangy and saucy – my family’s favorite dinner choice!
Easy Baked Mexican Meatballs
These Easy Baked Mexican Meatballs are packed with roasted poblanos and cilantro, and served in thickened enchilada sauce!
Slow Cooker Red Curry Meatballs
Beef meatballs simmered in a red curry coconut sauce. Serve with rice or as a slow cooker party appetizer.
Italian Meatballs - Tender and Juicy
These homemade Italian meatballs are soft, tender & melt-in-your-mouth delicious! They're made with ground beef and breadcrumbs then baked in the oven.
Hawaiian Meatballs for the Slow Cooker
These Hawaiian meatballs are tender and juicy and super easy to throw together for a party in a crockpot or slow cooker. The sticky sweet glaze will have you coming back!
Crock Pot Teriyaki Meatballs
Teriyaki Meatballs come together in minutes using a few pantry staples and make the ultimate appetizer. Hearty meatballs covered in a sweet, tangy, and sticky glaze will have everyone coming back for more!
Easy Swedish Meatballs in a Creamy Sauce
This recipe for easy, homemade Swedish Meatballs in a rich, creamy sauce is one of our favorite comfort foods! These really are the best Swedish meatballs in a simple gravy sauce that is made from scratch that I've ever had!
Iowa Ham Balls
Not your average meatballs, these Iowa Ham Balls are a regional favorite made with leftover ham in a sticky sweet sauce!
Asian Meatballs: Chinese Pork Meatballs (Char Siew style)
Chinese Pork meatballs: Char Seiw like charring on the edges with flavors hitting notes of sweet and salty in each that are ideal for delicious Asian meatball appetizers in about 20 minutes.
Chipotle Pork Meatballs
The unique flavors of the Italian sausage mixed with crushed gingersnaps create fun and tasty appetizer.
Crock Pot Nashville Hot Chicken Meatballs
Can't handle the heat of a full Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich? These hot chicken slow cooker meatballs are tender, delicious, and the perfect dose of heat!
Chicken Meatballs in Cajun Cream Sauce
This simple chicken meatball recipe makes the best golden brown, juicy homemade meatballs that are perfect served as an appetizer or a main dish.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
These cocktail meatballs are sure to be a hit at your next party! They are an inventive way to switch up the classic chicken wing appetizer!
French Onion Meatballs
French onion meatballs takes the classic french onion soup in a whole new direction. By adding meatballs to french onion soup, you create essentially french onion meatball stew. Instead of an appetizer soup, voila! Serve as a light entree instead!
Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Kabobs
With fresh pineapple, red and green peppers, red onions, Teriyaki Ginger Chicken Meatballs and the most delicious homemade Teriyaki sauce your lips have tasted!
Sticky Thai Meatballs - Paleo & Low FODMAP
Baked Thai Meatballs packed with fresh flavors and paired with a simple chili sauce. Low FODMAP, Paleo and SCD approved.
Chicken Marsala Meatballs
Skip the tedious skillet meat and whip up this classic Italian dish but with meatballs instead!
Firecracker Chicken Meatballs Recipe
This is my favorite way to eat chicken meatballs. They’re spiced up with a sweet, savory, and spicy firecracker sauce. They’re tender, filled with flavor, and require minimum work!
General Tso Chicken Meatballs
If you are a fan of the popular Chinese take out classic, you will love these General Tso Chicken Meatballs! We have provided both a regular and low carb option. Skip the take out, these are easy.
Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs (with Video)
Let’s kick off the year right with these healthy Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs. This curry chicken recipe is so damn good, and it’s a Whole30 dinner recipe that makes incredible leftovers.
BBQ Chicken Meatballs
These BBQ Chicken Meatballs are one of my favorite easy party appetizers, but they also make a delicious dinner when served with a couple veggie sides!
Lamb Meatballs
These lamb meatballs are packed with flavor and can be served by themselves, on pasta or rice, or on a toasted roll to make a slider!
Easy Reuben Meatballs
These savory reuben meatballs make a fun appetizer for your next party or a tasty dish to eat while watching the big game.
Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
These Greek Meatballs (aka Keftedes) are made with ground beef and lamb or pork mixed with fresh garlic, feta cheese, other herbs and spices, then cooked to tender, savory perfection.
Tropical Turkey Meatballs
Tropical Turkey Meatballs are a perfect appetizer on their own or serve them in a piece of flatbread to make them more of a full meal item. Light and tender, flavored with hints of mango and mild heat of habanero chiles.
Grilled Bratwurst & Kraut Meatball Kabobs - best home or tailgate grilling!
These Grilled Bratwurst & Kraut Meatball Kabobs combine the flavors of grilled brats with peppers, onions and kraut with lean ground beef meatballs.
Slow-Cooker Moroccan Turkey Meatballs
The combo of dried apricots, warm spices, and rich tomato sauce is perfectly balanced with the tart pop of pomegranate seeds.
Pastrami Meatballs
These might look like ordinary meatballs, but they have a secret weapon inside: The finely diced pastrami mixed into the meat mixture doesn’t just add incredible flavor to the meatballs, but it keeps them extremely moist and soft. They’re like no meatballs you’ve ever had before!
Crock Pot Apple Cocktail Meatballs
These Apple Cocktail Meatballs are an easy party food appetizer that’s made in the slow cooker and loaded with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds!
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