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Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatball Bites


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Sweet and savory meatballs coated in a delicious pineapple brown sugar glaze, perfect for parties as bite-sized appetizers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds frozen fully cooked meatballs
  • 1 can pineapple chunks, 20 ounces, drained, juice reserved
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice, reserved from the can
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Toothpicks, for serving
  • Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, barbecue sauce, reserved pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and glossy.
  3. Add the frozen meatballs and drained pineapple chunks to the prepared baking dish.
  4. Pour the pineapple brown sugar glaze over the meatballs and pineapple.
  5. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the sticky sauce.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the meatballs are hot and the sauce is bubbly, thick, and glossy.
  7. For extra caramelized flavor, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely so the glaze does not burn.
  8. Transfer the meatballs and pineapple to a serving platter and spoon extra sauce over the top.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
  10. Serve warm with toothpicks for an easy sweet-and-savory party bite.
  11. For a slow cooker version, add the meatballs, pineapple, and sauce to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 1 1/2–2 hours.

Notes

  • For a slower cooking option, use a slow cooker method outlined in the instructions.
  • Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to the glaze.
  • Garnish options like chopped parsley or green onions add a fresh touch and color.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatball bites
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg