Looking for a dish that’s both crowd-pleasing and versatile? These Hawaiian Barbecue Meatballs are exactly that! Combining sweet and savory flavors, they’re a hit at gatherings, whether served as an appetizer or a hearty main dish. The best part? With minimal ingredients and a crockpot, you’ll have an easy-to-make, mess-free dish that’s sure to satisfy. And if you happen to have leftovers, they’re perfect for repurposing into new, tasty meals!
Why We Love Hawaiian Barbecue Meatballs
Meatballs are always a favorite in my house. They’re easy to eat, and my kids love them, especially with a good BBQ sauce! When I decided to add a Hawaiian twist, it was a winning combo for the whole family.
In this post, I’ll share:
• My favorite ways to serve these meatballs—whether as an appetizer or a meal.
• Tips and tricks for making this dish quick and easy.
• Storage tips for leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
• Creative ideas for turning leftovers into new dishes!
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs
These meatballs are perfect for both appetizers and main courses. Here are my top serving ideas:
As an Appetizer:
• Single Bites: Arrange each meatball with a pineapple chunk on top, secured with a toothpick. Be sure to handle carefully since they’ll be hot!
• Slow Cooker Style: Keep the meatballs warm directly in the crockpot, making them easy to serve and perfect for potlucks or tailgates.
As a Main Dish:
• Over Rice: Serve with jasmine or any unseasoned rice. If you like, substitute with grains like quinoa or farro.
• With Pasta: Smaller noodles work well here, making it kid-friendly and filling.
• On Zoodles: For a lighter option, serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles (zoodles) to add a veggie boost.
• With Cauliflower: Go for cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower as a low-carb side.
• Side Salad: A salad with ranch or balsamic dressing pairs well, or try a crunchy broccoli slaw.
• Garlic Toast: Perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce!
Quick and Easy Hawaiian Barbecue Meatballs Recipe
Below is the full recipe card with ingredients and instructions, but here are a few FAQs to get you started:
Q: Can I use turkey meatballs?
A: Absolutely! You can use beef, turkey, or chicken meatballs, as long as they’re plain (no Italian seasoning).
Q: Can I use homemade meatballs?
A: Yes, pre-cooked homemade meatballs work well. If they’re frozen, follow the recipe instructions; if refrigerated, cook them to a safe internal temperature.
Q: Can I use crushed pineapple instead of chunks?
A: Crushed pineapple will add more liquid to the sauce, making it thinner. If that’s okay, go ahead, but for a thicker sauce, stick with pineapple chunks.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: This recipe hasn’t been tested in an Instant Pot, but you can give it a try. Use extra pineapple juice to help it come to pressure, and you may need to simmer the sauce afterward.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, as long as your crockpot can hold it! For a 6-quart crockpot, you can fit about 5 pounds of meatballs comfortably.
Storing Leftovers
In case there are leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to a month. For convenience, portion them individually.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
Don’t want the same meal twice? Here are some ways to reinvent your Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs:
• Hawaiian Meatball Pizza: Spread BBQ sauce on a pizza crust, top with cheese, chopped meatballs, and pineapple. Bake until golden.
• BBQ Meatball Bowls: Set up a “bowl bar” with toppings like rice, beans, lettuce, and chopped veggies, and let everyone build their • Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Halve baked potatoes and top with meatballs, cheese, and chives.
own Hawaiian BBQ bowl.
• Hawaiian BBQ Meatball Subs: Layer meatballs in a toasted sub roll, add cheese, and bake until melted.
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs as much as we do. Let me know in the comments how you like to serve them or if you have any other fun leftover ideas!
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Meatballs
These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Meatballs make an ideal hearty appetizer, a tasty snack for game day, or a flavorful main dish served with rice or your favorite sides.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 5 hours hrs 1 minute min
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 287 kcal
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
- 4 garlic cloves pressed
- 4 green onions chopped
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs
In a slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks, reserved pineapple juice, garlic, and green onions. Mix until well combined.
Add the meatballs and stir to coat them in the sauce.
Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Garnish with extra chopped green onions and enjoy!
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
• Nutrition information may vary. For precise calculations, use a nutrition calculator based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.