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40+ Delicious Meatball Appetizers (Easy Party Food)

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!

collage of party meatballs

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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uncooked meatballs on a baking tray
place on baking sheet

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.

toothpick holding a meatball

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.

white slow cooker with meatballs, sauce, and a wood spoon

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

jalapeno popper meatballs with red toothpicks

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!

mini cheeseburger meatballs on a toothpick

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.

bowl of bacon wrapped meatballs

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!

metal bowl of meatballs with wood spoon

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!

stack of meatballs and sauce

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!

small white bowl with meatballs and sesame seeds

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.

black pot with meatballs and sesame seeds in it

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.

baking dish with ham balls and metal spoon

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.

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

Crock Pot Nashville Hot Chicken Meatballs
serve with cooling pickles!

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.

close up of meatball on a stick

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!

spoon sauce on meatballs and rice

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!

close up of Juicy Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs on a white plate

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.

platter of greek meatballs and tzatziki

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.

meatbals and pomegranate seeds

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!

collage of meatball appetizers

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

bowl of meatballs with text "best meatball side dishes"

Looking to make any of these appetizer recipes into a full meal? Check out Side Dishes for Meatballs!

Best Cocktail Meatballs

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