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41 Meatball Appetizer Recipes for Party

It’s party time and we have 41 meatball appetizer recipes for party. Who doesn’t love a good meatball? They’re the perfect entrée because they’re crowd-pleasing, easy to make, and relatively affordable.

In this post, we’ll share some of our favorite meatball recipes that will be sure to impress your guests. From gluten free meatballs to bacon-wrapped nibbles, we’ve got something for everyone.

 So, get cooking and start inviting people over for parties just so you can show off your delicious meatball recipes. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or a large bash, meatball appetizers are always a hit. And thankfully, they’re easy to make.

In this blog post, we’ll share lots of delicious recipes from savory to sweet, to spicy, we have something for everyone.

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41 Meatball Appetizer Recipes for Party
41 Meatball Appetizer Recipes for Party

Recipes for Party Meatballs

Let’s get cracking and see how many recipes there are for these tasty starters. When I am planning a party, I will copy the ingredient lists to a document and go shopping. That way, I can make sure that there isn’t that one ingredient I have to chase to the grocery store for at the last minute.

Easy recipe is unique and scrumptious. Serve a wide variety in slow cookers on warm so your guests can sample the goodies the entire time. The best part is this makes entertaining easy and enjoyable.

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs + Meal Prep

Air-Fryer-Meatballs-Recipes From a Pantry

These air fryer turkey meatballs have turkey, juicy bell pepper and fresh herbs all mixed up and air fried to perfection. Appetizers and dinners have never tasted sooooo good. 

Get the full recipe for Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs + Meal Prep

Easy Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Bacon-Wrapped-Meatballs- Fun Money Mom

These mouthwatering bacon wrapped meatballs make the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Easy and delicious, this finger food will be a hit at your next football party, cocktail party or holiday celebration.

Get the full recipe for Easy Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Bisquick Sausage Balls with Cheese

Bisquick-Sausage-Balls-The Feathered Nester

With an easy prep, these tasty sausage balls are ready in minutes.

Get the full recipe for Bisquick Sausage Balls with Cheese

Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

Plated Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

The sweetness of the jelly combined with the deep, rich flavors of BBQ sauce, and you have a perfect combination.  

Get the full recipe for Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs

Cheddar-Stuffed-Meatballs-Recipe Out Grilling

Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs are an easy grilling appetizer for any gathering. Made with ground beef and sausage stuffed with cheddar cheese. 

Get the full recipe for Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs Frugal Mom

Looking for easy Christmas meatballs? Look no further than these Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs, a perfect appetizer for any holiday parties!

Get the full recipe for Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

Cranberry Party Meatballs

Cranberry-Party-Meatballs-Haute and healthy Living

These Cranberry Party Meatballs make a festive appetizer or meal perfect for those holiday gatherings! They come together in less than 30 minutes and are a great make-ahead option! Serve cocktail-style or along with preferred sides.

Get the full recipe for Cranberry Party Meatballs

Crockpot BBQ Beer Meatball Recipe

Crockpot-Beer-BBQ-Meatballs-Homemade Heather

These Crockpot BBQ Beer Meatballs are absolutely delicious and make the perfect easy appetizer or add rice for a quick family dinner! 

Get the full recipe for Crockpot BBQ Beer Meatball Recipe

Asian Glazed Insta Pot Meatballs

instant-pot-meatballs-Asian Glazed wenther8this

Glazed in the most amazing sweet and savory Asian inspired glaze, these Instant Pot meatballs are awesome as an appetizer or a main course. 

Get the full recipe for Asian Glazed Insta Pot Meatballs

Mexican Meatballs

Mexican-Meatballs-Simply Stacie

A fun new spin on the traditional meatball. Serve as an appetizer or add them to a pasta dish.

Get the full recipe for Mexican Meatballs

Orange Sesame Meatballs

orange sesame meatballs A Girl Worth Saving

These orange sesame meatballs are the perfect party appetizer. They’re packed with umami flavor and are easy to make.

Get the full recipe for Orange Sesame Meatballs

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatball Recipe

Slow Cooker Meatballs from Frozen

You might be thinking you need to go to a restaurant to get a good Swedish meatball. Good news, this easy slow cooker recipe can be made right at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Get the full recipe for Slow Cooker Swedish Meatball Recipe

Slow Cooker Pork and Apple Meatballs

Slow-Cooker-Pork-Apple-Meatballs-Slow Cooker Club

These super tasty pork and apple meatballs and incredibly moreish – I challenge you not to go back for a second portion. Slow cooked for extra flavor.

Get the full recipe for Slow Cooker Pork and Apple Meatballs

Spicy Asian Pork Meatballs Recipe

Spicy-Asian-Pork-Meatballs-Recipe EhardtsEat

Sticky, a touch spicy, juicy and so tasty! These Asian Pork Meatballs make the perfect party appetizer, or quick family dinner ready in only 30 minutes!

Get the full recipe for Spicy Asian Pork Meatballs Recipe

Air Fryer Meatball Sub Skewers

Air-fryer-meatball-sub-skewers-The Busted Oven

Homemade beef meatballs are stuffed with cheese before being wrapped in pastry and air fried until golden and delicious. These meatball sub skewers make a fun and tasty appetizer. 

Get the full recipe for Air Fryer Meatball Sub Skewers

Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

bacon-wrapped-meatballs-Gift of Hospitality

These two-bite appetizers are quick to make, thanks to store-bought meatballs. Dip in ketchup or BBQ sauce to serve.

Get the full recipe for Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Cocktail Meatballs

Cocktail-Meatballs Beyond the Chicken Coop

Delicious mini cocktail meatballs with an apricot BBQ sauce glaze are a perfect little bite. 

Get the full recipe for Cocktail Meatballs

Cranberry Baked Meatballs

Cranberry-Baked-Meatballs-That Skinny Chick Can Bake

Perfect for the holidays with a cranberry twist! 

Get the full recipe for Cranberry Baked Meatballs

Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

Crockpot BBQ party_meatballs_with_toothpicks Art From My Table

Tender and juicy Crockpot BBQ Meatballs. The ingredients are fresh and savory with just a hint of smoky sweetness that makes it stand out.

Get the full recipe for Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

Fish Meatballs

fish-meatballs-albondigas-de-pescado Champagne Tastes

These easy fish meatballs (fish balls) are adapted from the Mexican dish Albondigas de Pescado and are made with sardines. Serve them with a quick and easy tomato sauce as an appetizer, or add them to pasta for seafood spaghetti and meatballs!

Get the full recipe for Fish Meatballs

Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Pomegranate Sauce

lamb meatballs with tomato pomegranate sauce Family Spice

Think you are not a fan of lamb? These lamb meatballs are plump, juicy and served with a sweet and tangy tomato pomegranate sauce to mop up with a baguette. 

Get the full recipe for

Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Pomegranate Sauce

Cheesy Meatball Bites

Simple cheesy meatball bites Jen Around the World

These Easy Cheesy Meatball Bites are the perfect appetizer to serve your guests. They are simple and easy and ready in under 30 minutes.

Get the full recipe for Cheesy Meatball Bites

Spanish Meatballs (Albondigas Tapas)

Spanish Meatballs Albondigas Tapas Venturists

Spanish Meatballs are a perfect tapas menu item – the “albondigas” are finished in a smoky tomato sauce, making this an addictive snack.

Get the full recipe for

Spanish Meatballs (Albondigas Tapas)

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Meatballs Seren Bakes Simply from Scratch

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are easy to make and a great appetizer recipe. 

Get the full recipe for Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

Traeger-Grape-Jelly-Meatballs-What Ever You Do

These grape jelly BBQ meatballs use the pellet grill for an extra layer of flavor on this classic Midwestern appetizer.

Get the full recipe for

Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

Recipes with Chicken Meatballs and Turkey too

They are one of the easiest, most versatile dishes to make. You can put them in a sauce and serve them over pasta, or put them on a sandwich. And they’re not just for Italian food – you can make chicken meatballs, turkey meatballs, or even beef meatballs.

Whether you are looking for a new recipe to try or just want some ideas for meals that include chicken or turkey meatballs, you’ll find something here that’s perfect for you. From an easy weeknight dinner to a festive holiday dish, these recipes will please everyone at the table. Here are some recipes that use chicken or turkey meatballs. Enjoy!

Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Meatballs (Keto and Paleo)

Whole 30 Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Organically Addison

These Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are super easy, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly spicy. Only 25 minutes start to finish, they are great for lunch, dinner or a healthy meal prep. This Whole30 ground chicken recipe is a crowd favorite!

Get the full recipe for Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Meatballs (Keto and Paleo)

Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Cranberry-Turkey-Meatballs Food meanderings

These easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are the perfect healthy holiday appetizer, made in your crock-pot with a simple cranberry BBQ sauce. They are quick to make, festive, and Weight Watchers friendly. 

Get the full recipe for Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Lazy Slow-Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs

chicken teriyaki meatballs The Lazy Slow Cooker

Delicious and gluten free chicken meatballs doused in a perfect teriyaki sauce is a wonderful meal or any-time appetizer. 

Get the full recipe for Lazy Slow-Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Sauce

Buffalo-Chicken-Meatballs-4 Sons R us

Buffalo chicken meatballs with blue cheese sauce are the perfect appetizer or main dish for any party, game day event or tailgating. You’ll love this take on your favorite boneless wings in bite sized form.

Get the full recipe for

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Sauce

Smoked BBQ Turkey Meatballs

bbq-turkey-meatballs-Hot Pan Kitchen

These BBQ Turkey Meatballs are small but pack a ton of flavor & make a perfect party food.

Get the full recipe for Smoked BBQ Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Greek Chicken Meatballs

Air-Fryer-Greek-Chicken-Meatballs-Smack of Flavor

Air Fryer Greek Chicken Meatballs are an easy homemade meatball air fryer recipe. These meatballs are made with ground chicken, oregano and lemon flavors and make a perfect and quick appetizer.

Get the full recipe for Air Fryer Greek Chicken Meatballs

Brie-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Brie-Stuffed-Meatballs-We Are Not Martha

These Brie-Stuffed Meatballs are incredibly moist turkey meatballs with a delightful brie cheese surprise in the middle. They can be served as a tasty party appetizer or as an entree alongside pasta or a vegetable.

Get the full recipe for Brie-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Mini Indian Meatballs with Curry Coconut Sauce

Mini-Indian-Meatballs-with-Curry-Coconut-Sauce-Culinary Ginger

With spices added like turmeric, garam masala, coriander along with fresh mint, this recipe is a delicious way to enhance the flavor of a chicken meatball.

Get the full recipe for

Mini Indian Meatballs with Curry Coconut Sauce

Thai Chicken Meatballs with Dipping Sauce

Thai-Chicken-Meatballs-with-dipping-sauce-BoulderLocavore

Thai Chicken Meatballs are a versatile recipe perfect for an appetizer with dipping sauces, on rice (or zucchini noodle) pasta, in soups and sandwiches.

Get the full recipe for Thai Chicken Meatballs with Dipping Sauce

Gluten Free Meatball Recipes

Whether you’re gluten intolerant, on a gluten-free diet, or just looking for some new and tasty recipes to add to your repertoire, you’re going to love these three gluten free meatball recipes.

Move over, spaghetti and meatballs. There are plenty of new recipes for gluten free meatballs that will have your taste buds singing with joy. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and savory or a little bit spicy, we’ve got you covered. So get cooking and enjoy these delicious gluten free meatball recipes!

Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Keto-Buffalo-Chicken-Meatballs Keto Cooking Christian

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs very well may be the best appetizer you’ll ever make! Blue Cheese nestles in each meatball, sending the flavor right over the top! 

Get the full recipe for Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Keto Baked Italian Meatball Recipe (Cheese Stuffed)

Keto-Baked-Italian-Meatball-Recipe-Cheese-Stuffed-The Keto Queens

These Baked Italian Meatballs are stuffed with cheese and make a gorgeous appetizer, or a perfect entrée on top of a bed of zucchini noodles. 

Get the full recipe for

Keto Baked Italian Meatball Recipe (Cheese Stuffed)

Instant Pot Gluten Free Barbecue Turkey Meatballs

Gluten-free-turkey-meatballs-Fearless Dining

These homemade BBQ meatballs are quick and easy to make. There are both Instant Pot and stovetop directions.

Get the full recipe for

Instant Pot Gluten Free Barbecue Turkey Meatballs

Gluten Free Meatballs

Gluten Free meatballs Fresh April Flours

Easy, flavorful gluten free turkey meatballs made with ground flaxseed in place of breadcrumbs.

Get the full recipe for Gluten Free Meatballs

Italian Eggplant Meatballs / Polpette

eggplant meatball an Italian in my Kitchen

These easy Eggplant Meatballs/Polpette without the meat, are a fast, easy and tasty way to use eggplant. Make them as a main dish or appetizer. Make lots because they go quick! 

Get the full recipe for Italian Eggplant Meatballs / Polpette

Gluten Free Crock Pot Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs

ItalianTurkey Meatball Appetizers She Keeps a Lovely Home

These incredible Italian turkey meatballs with pesto and mozzarella will become everyone’s favorite appetizer at the party! This recipe is so simple and SO delicious! With melted cheese centers and that fresh, Italian pesto flavor, these perfect little appetizers make such an enticing hors d’oeuvre. They’re also gluten-free!

Get the full recipe for Turkey Meatballs with Pesto and Mozzarella

Turkey Meatballs with Pesto and Mozzarella

Crockpot-Teriyaki-Turkey-Meatballs-The Rustic Foodie

These Crockpot Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs are literally bursting with flavor – Fill up your slow cooker these turkey meatballs, warm them up, and bring them to your next party. I guarantee they won’t last long!

Get the full recipe for Gluten Free Crock Pot Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs

Meatball Appetizers for a Party

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