Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs

We have long enjoyed our favorite appetizer meatball recipe, but this version of sweet-and-spicy appetizer meatballs from Johnsonville takes the idea to a new level.

Johnsonville recently came out with a line of meatballs. They are soooooo much better than the usual pre-made meatballs you can pick up in your grocer’s freezer section. This is our first time using them, but I can definitely see us cooking with them more! I also substitute my fantastic homemade meatballs. If I have any. They seem to disappear awfully quick around here.

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs

A Bit Different

I think the elements that really make these meatballs stand out are the great meatballs, of course, and also the Kalamata olives. They really add a great richness to the sauce. These sweet-and-spicy appetizer meatballs are perfect for game-time munching!

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For something a bit spicier, give your guests some fire-eater chicken meatballs. Also try my meatball sliders. They make great appetizers too.

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs

I think the elements that really make these meatballs stand out are the great meatballs, of course, and also the Kalamata olives. They really add a great richness to the sauce. These are perfect for game-time munching!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, spicy, sweet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 265kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add in the olives, onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes or until the onion starts to soften.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the cheese. Stir. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Add in the cheese and stir to melt.
  • Continue simmering for 30 minutes or until the meatballs are completely warmed through.

Notes

Keep warm for serving. I put them in a small crockpot set to low.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 214IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs

Everyone’s seen them. Everyone’s had them. The key to really good appetizer meatballs? The BBQ sauce. And good meatballs too of course. I had some leftover pre-made meatballs, so that’s what I ended up using. The sauce has to be a little sweet. And I want some bite behind that kiss. Know what I mean? These sweet-and-sassy appetizer meatballs are the perfect combination of both.

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs

Get Sauced

We’re big fans of Grandma Foster’s sauces. The smooth & spicy has just the right amount of kick, and is perfect on ribs, pulled pork… and in these sweet-and-sassy appetizer meatballs! If you don’t have Grandma Foster’s where you’re at, our second-best (and it’s a very close second) is the BBQ sauce from Weber. You can find it at your local grocery store. Of substitute whatever your favorite is. Just make sure it has a little kick to it.

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Also try my slow cooker bourbon cocktail sausages and my peach and chili sauce meatballs.

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs

Everyone’s seen them. Everyone’s had them. The key to really good appetizer meatballs? The BBQ sauce. And good meatballs too of course.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, spicy, sweet
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 324kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce to a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the cranberry sauce is melted, stirring often.
  • Add the meatballs and cook until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Notes

I served these in a fondue pot to keep them warm, but a crockpot also works well.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 433mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 106IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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