Aloha Friends! Are you ready for an easy appetizer? Straight to the point: Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Style Party Meatballs!

Remember back in the day when your parents had their cocktail parties? The appetizers are what I remember best.

The traditional ones they had were all pretty basic back then. The orange cheeseball covered with nuts, dip and chips, a bowl of nuts, etc. And then there was always that one constant! Party Meatballs.

Five Hawaiian Meatballs on a green dish with toothpicks in each for eating and a bowl of extra sauce on the side.

Back then they served them with a grape jelly sauce! It was an easy dish back then. Probably just meatballs and a jar of jelly!

Now don't get me wrong! There's nothing wrong with easy; especially when you're having a party!

For Kyle and Joel's Great 8 Luau themed dinner, I was so Gr8-ful when I was asked to bring an appetizer; Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Style Party Meatballs! I love small plate recipes, and this one was so simple! A delicious no brainer!

When I think of the food of Hawaii, fruit is what always comes to mind first. Well...that and fish, but I know for sure she asked for "meat"balls! Pineapple is the perfect choice. It's got its own sweetness and the smokiness of the barbecue sauce adds the perfect hint of savory.

Three Hawaiian Meatballs each in it own small white bowl with sauce and a toothpick for eating.

Before you put on your hula skirt, hurry down to Trader Joe's! They've got Party Size Mini Meatballs that are absolutely perfect for this recipe!

With everything in the slow cooker, you'll have more time to make Anna's Moist and Yummy Pineapple Rum Cake for dessert, maybe even as cupcakes!

Up close photo of Hawaiian Meatballs on a platter with sauce and toothpicks for eating.

Whether you're making these for a Luau that you're hosting, or bringing them to a backyard barbecue, this Easy Hawaiian Style Meatball recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

With Don Ho music in the background and a Mai Tai in your hand, the flavors of the Hawaiian Islands will tempt you to book a flight to the big island! Aloha!

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Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Style Meatballs Recipe

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Style Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 240 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite bottled sauce, or homemade); 3/4 cup crushed pineapple (not drained); 3/4 cup dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon chili sauce; salt and pepper to taste; 1 20 ounce bag frozen mini party size meatballs (not thawed, I use Trader Joe's); chopped parsley (garnish, optional)

With the flavors of the Hawaiian islands in every bite, these party size meatball appetizers will be the hit at every Luau. This easy slow cooker recipe will be the perfect go to dish to get the party started!

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time4 hrs

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, Hawaiian

Servings:

Author: Debbie

Special Equipment

Slow cooker

Ingredients

¾ cup barbecue sauce, your favorite bottled sauce, or homemade
¾ cup crushed pineapple, not drained
¾ cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 20 ounce bag frozen mini party size meatballs, not thawed, I use Trader Joe's
chopped parsley, garnish, optional

Instructions

Combine barbecue sauce, crushed pineapple, dark brown sugar and chili sauce in slow cooker. Mix thoroughly.
Add frozen meatballs. Stir to combine and fully coat the meatballs with the sauce.
Set slow cooker on low and cook for 4 to 4 ½ hours. Add salt and/or pepper to taste.
If serving from slow cooker, turn to "keep warm" setting.
If serving from a separate dish, pour contents into serving bowl. Serve immediately.

Notes

Gr8 Tip:

Recipe can also be made on the stovetop. Combine all ingredients except for the frozen meatballs in a medium saucepan over medium heat until brown sugar is dissolved. Add frozen meatballs, stir to coat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until meatballs are warmed through.

Gr8 Make-Ahead:

Make the meatballs following the slow cooker or stove top directions. Once cool, store in a sealed container in the refrigerator up to one week. Re-warm on the stove top or in the microwave.

Tried this recipe?Mention @Great8Friends or tag #gr8food!