Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies: 5 Easy Ways
Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies: Your New Go-To Party Appetizer!
Get ready to be the hero of every potluck, game day, or casual family get-together with these utterly irresistible Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies! This recipe is the ultimate trifecta of sweet, savory, and tangy, all wrapped up in a ridiculously easy-to-make package. Imagine tender meatballs and savory little smokies swimming in a luscious, sticky sauce infused with the bright sweetness of pineapple and a hint of smoky barbecue. It’s comfort food meets party food, and trust me, they disappear faster than you can say “seconds!”
Life gets busy, but delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s where your trusty Crock Pot Appetizers come into play! This particular dish, the Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies, is a shining example of how minimal effort can yield maximum flavor and rave reviews. Whether you’re whipping up a quick snack or preparing for a big bash, this recipe promises to deliver. And if you’re a fan of succulent meatballs, you might also love our Homemade Meatball Sub Sandwich – another crowd-pleaser!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)
📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Perfection: Seriously, just dump and go! Your slow cooker does all the hard work.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet pineapple, tangy BBQ, and savory meatballs and smokies is pure magic.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for any gathering.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for parties as it can stay warm in the slow cooker for hours.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 (18-ounce) package frozen cooked meatballs (about 50-60 small meatballs)
- 1 (14-ounce) package cocktail smokies or little smokies, drained
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (honey BBQ works wonderfully!)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
How to Make Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies
This recipe for Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies is incredibly simple, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned entertainers alike. Just a few steps, and your Crock Pot Appetizers will be simmering to perfection!
Instructions:
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the crushed pineapple (undrained), BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce until well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Add Meatballs and Smokies: Gently add the frozen cooked meatballs and drained cocktail smokies to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour and Stir: Pour the pineapple-BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs and smokies. Stir gently to ensure everything is well coated.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The meatballs and smokies should be heated through, and the sauce should be bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Once cooked, give it one final stir. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks or small forks.
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
This versatile Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies recipe is fantastic as is, but don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Different Fruit: Swap crushed pineapple for apricot preserves or even grape jelly for a different sweet-tart profile.
- Garnish Galore: A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions adds a lovely pop of color and freshness before serving.
- Heartier Meal: Serve these over fluffy white rice or alongside some creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Themed Parties: Perfect for luau-themed parties or any gathering where you want a taste of the tropics!
Reader Reviews
Curious what others think? Here are some fresh takes on these amazing Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies!
- Sarah M. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Absolutely devoured these at our last family gathering! So easy to make and the flavors are just incredible. My kids couldn’t get enough. Five stars!”
- Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I’m usually tasked with bringing an appetizer to poker night, and these were a huge hit! The perfect balance of sweet and savory. Will definitely be making again. Thanks for the awesome Crock Pot Appetizers recipe!”
- Jessica P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My new go-to party dish! So stress-free and everyone always asks for the recipe. I love that I can just throw everything in the slow cooker and forget about it until it’s time to serve. Delicious!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! If using homemade meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker to avoid cross-contamination and ensure proper heating.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can whisk the sauce ingredients together a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, just combine with the meatballs and smokies in the slow cooker. The cooked dish also holds well on the warm setting for a few hours.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
A sweeter BBQ sauce, like a honey or brown sugar variety, complements the pineapple beautifully. However, feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce; it’s all about personal preference!
Can I make this dish spicier?
Certainly! To add a kick, incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce like sriracha, or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the sauce mixture before cooking.
There you have it – your new favorite fuss-free, flavor-packed appetizer! These Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies are more than just a recipe; they’re a ticket to effortless entertaining and happy taste buds. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some delicious memories. And remember, for more delicious meatball ideas, check out our Homemade Meatball Sub Sandwich!
Recipe Note:
For best results, do not overfill your slow cooker. If doubling the recipe, consider using a larger slow cooker or splitting it into two.
Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Servings: 8-10 appetizer servings
Calories: 320 calories per serving (approximate)
Ingredients
- 24 oz (1.5 lbs) frozen cooked meatballs
- 14 oz package mini smoked sausages (Lil’ Smokies)
- 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
- 18 oz bottle barbecue sauce (e.g., original, honey, or hickory)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions
1.In a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, and soy sauce (if using). Stir well until the brown sugar is dissolved and the sauce is thoroughly mixed.
2. Add the frozen meatballs, mini smoked sausages, and drained pineapple chunks to the slow cooker.
3. Gently stir all ingredients together until everything is well coated with the sauce.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the meatballs and sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
5. If desired, stir in red pepper flakes during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a hint of spice.
6. Serve directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks, or transfer to a serving bowl. Enjoy!
Chef’s Notes: This sweet and savory appetizer is perfect for potlucks, game day, or any gathering! The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare.
