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!
Meatball Appetizers
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.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclosure policy.
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.
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.
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.
These flavorful, moist meatballs come together in minutes and are oven baked for a quick dinner. Homemade Italian Meatballs are always satisfying and well received.
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.
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.
For more insider tips, tricks, and a behind the scenes look, follow me on social media. Check us out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & X(Twitter).
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.
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.
Jalapeno Popper Meatballs are full of jalapeno, bacon, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Served over salsa, they make a fantastic spicy appetizer or meal.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
With fresh pineapple, red and green peppers, red onions, Teriyaki Ginger Chicken Meatballs and the most delicious homemade Teriyaki sauce your lips have tasted!
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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!
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!
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave us a five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!
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.
