why make this recipe
This recipe is easy and low fuss. You can set the slow cooker and forget it. Guests like the sweet pineapple and tangy barbecue with the meatballs. It works well for parties, game day, or a simple snack.
introduction
Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies are warm, sweet, and savory. You mix a few sauces, add meatballs and pineapple, and let the slow cooker do the work. If you like sweet-and-salty snacks, try the similar brown sugar bacon little smokies recipe for another easy appetizer idea.
how to make Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies
Make the sauce first by mixing barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Put the sauce in the slow cooker. Add the cocktail meatballs and pineapple tidbits and stir to coat. Cook on low until the meatballs are hot and the flavors meld, then stir and serve on skewers.
Ingredients :
1 package of cocktail meatballs
1 can of pineapple tidbits
1 cup of barbecue sauce
1/2 cup of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper (optional)
Skewers (for serving)
Directions :
- In the slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cocktail meatballs and pineapple tidbits to the slow cooker, stirring to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until heated through.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Serve warm on skewers as appetizers.
how to serve Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies
Serve hot on wooden skewers or toothpicks. Place them on a platter for guests. You can also spoon them over rice for a simple meal. Keep a small bowl of napkins nearby — they can be saucy.
how to store Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies
Cool leftovers to room temperature for no more than two hours. Put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or warm on the stove until hot. You can freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies
- Use pre-cooked frozen cocktail meatballs for fast prep.
- Drain some pineapple juice if you want a thicker sauce.
- Stir once or twice during cooking for even heat.
- Taste and add more brown sugar or red pepper to adjust sweet or spicy.
- Keep on low heat to prevent splitting the meatballs.
variation (if any)
- Add sliced bell pepper for color and crunch.
- Swap barbecue sauce for teriyaki sauce for a different flavor.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks if you prefer, but they may break down more in the slow cooker.
- Add chopped green onion on top before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs straight from the bag?
A: Yes. Place them in the slow cooker frozen. They will heat through in the 4-6 hour range.
Q: Can I make this on high in less time?
A: You can cook on high for 2-3 hours, but check to make sure the meatballs heat through and the sauce thickens.
Q: Do I need to drain the pineapple tidbits?
A: You can drain some juice if you want a thicker sauce. Leaving a little juice adds flavor.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Not as written. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check your meatballs and barbecue sauce labels.
Q: How do I make it less sweet?
A: Reduce the brown sugar or use less pineapple juice. Add a splash of vinegar for balance.
Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)
Description
Warm, sweet, and savory meatballs cooked in a tangy barbecue sauce with pineapple, perfect for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 package of cocktail meatballs
- 1 can of pineapple tidbits
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper (optional)
- Skewers (for serving)
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cocktail meatballs and pineapple tidbits to the slow cooker, stirring to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until heated through.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Serve warm on skewers as appetizers.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, drain some pineapple juice. Use pre-cooked frozen cocktail meatballs for fast prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)
Description
Warm, sweet, and savory meatballs cooked in a tangy barbecue sauce with pineapple, perfect for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 package of cocktail meatballs
- 1 can of pineapple tidbits
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper (optional)
- Skewers (for serving)
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cocktail meatballs and pineapple tidbits to the slow cooker, stirring to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until heated through.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Serve warm on skewers as appetizers.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, drain some pineapple juice. Use pre-cooked frozen cocktail meatballs for fast prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
