If you’re a fan of sweet, savory, and easy-to-make dishes, you’re going to love this Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs recipe! Juicy, tender meatballs are slow-cooked in a tangy pineapple glaze that’s bursting with tropical flavors. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a family dinner, or just craving something special, these meatballs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Magnificent Meatballs
- Easy to Make . Just toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the magic.
- Perfect for Parties . These sweet and tangy meatballs are a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
- Family-Friendly . The combination of pineapple, bell peppers, and savory meatballs appeals to all ages.
- Versatile . Serve them as a main dish over rice, as sliders, or as a party appetizer.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you’ll have a flavorful dish that’s ready to wow your guests.
What Do Hawaiian Meatballs Taste Like?
Hawaiian Meatballs are a delicious fusion of flavors, combining tender, juicy meatballs with a sweet and savory glaze.
The sauce includes pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a hint of brown sugar, which creates a tropical flavor profile that’s both comforting and exotic. Add bell peppers and pineapple chunks for texture and freshness, and you have a dish that’s bursting with color and flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen Meatballs – Beef, chicken, or turkey meatballs all work great.
- Pineapple Chunks - You’ll need the chunks and the juice.
- Brown Sugar - Adds the perfect sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Soy Sauce - Balances the sweetness with savory umami.
- Rice Vinegar - For a slight tang.
- Ketchup - Thickens the sauce and adds tangy flavor.
- Garlic - Enhances the savory notes.
- Bell Peppers - Adds color, crunch, and freshness.
- Cornstarch Slurry - 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water thickens the sauce.
- Green Onions - Sliced for a pop of color and freshness.
- Sesame Seeds - Optional, for a nutty finishing touch.
How To Make Hawaiian Meatballs
- Prepare the Sauce . In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple), brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Mix until everything is fully combined. This creates the perfect sweet and tangy glaze.
- Assemble the Crockpot . Add the frozen meatballs to the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add the pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers to the pot. Gently stir everything together.
- Cook the Meatballs . Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to coat the meatballs in the sauce. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve . Once the sauce has thickened, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips And Tricks
Here are some essential tips and tricks for making the perfect Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs. These tips will ensure your meatballs turn out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time:
- Don’t Overcook . Avoid cooking the meatballs too long, or they may become tough.
- Homemade Meatballs . If you prefer homemade meatballs, brown them in a skillet first to keep them firm.
- Adjust Sweetness . Add more or less brown sugar depending on your desired level of sweetness.
- Thicker Sauce . For a thicker sauce, use a cornstarch slurry as mentioned in the recipe.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations for your Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs:
- Spicy- Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Teriyaki- Replace the ketchup with teriyaki sauce for a deeper, savory flavor.
- BBQ- Add ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the mix for a smoky twist.
- Tropical Mango Twist - Mix in fresh mango chunks along with the pineapple for an extra tropical vibe.
What To Eat With Hawaiian Meatballs
These meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:
- White or Brown Rice - Serve over steamed rice to soak up the sweet and savory sauce.
- Cauliflower Rice - A low-carb option that’s just as tasty.
- Hawaiian Rolls - Make sliders by serving the meatballs in soft Hawaiian rolls.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables - Add extra veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
- Noodles - Serve over cooked lo mein or spaghetti noodles for a hearty meal.
How Long Do They Last?
Hawaiian meatballs can last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
To maintain their freshness, allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to the container, and ensure the sauce is included to keep them moist.
Can You Freeze Them?
If you’d like to store them longer, Hawaiian meatballs freeze exceptionally well and can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them on the stovetop or in a crockpot until heated through.
More Amazing Appetizers
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels
- Potato Skins
- Pretzel Bites
- Skillet Queso
- Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
- Crispy Green Beans
Hawaiian Meatballs | Crockpot Hawaiian Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 24 ounces Frozen Meatballs , any protein of your choice
- ▢ 20 ounce Canned Pineapple Chunks , in juice, reserved
- ▢ 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- ▢ 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- ▢ 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- ▢ 1/2 cup Ketchup
- ▢ 2 cloves Garlic , minced
- ▢ 2 Bell Peppers , any color, diced
- ▢ Cornstarch Slurry , 2 tbsp cornstarch+ 2 tbsp water
- ▢ Green Onion , optional, for garnish
- ▢ Sesame Seeds , optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce . In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple), brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Mix until everything is fully combined. This creates the perfect sweet and tangy glaze.
- Assemble the Crockpot . Add the frozen meatballs to the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add the pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers to the pot. Gently stir everything together.
- Cook the Meatballs . Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to coat the meatballs in the sauce. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve . Once the sauce has thickened, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Hawaiian Meatballs | Crockpot Hawaiian Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 ounces Frozen Meatballs any protein of your choice
- 20 ounce Canned Pineapple Chunks in juice, reserved
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Ketchup
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Bell Peppers any color, diced
- Cornstarch Slurry 2 tbsp cornstarch+ 2 tbsp water
- Green Onion optional, for garnish
- Sesame Seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce . In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple), brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Mix until everything is fully combined. This creates the perfect sweet and tangy glaze.
- Assemble the Crockpot . Add the frozen meatballs to the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add the pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers to the pot. Gently stir everything together.
- Cook the Meatballs . Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to coat the meatballs in the sauce. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve . Once the sauce has thickened, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!
Hawaiian Meatballs | Crockpot Hawaiian Meatball Recipe https://twosleevers.com/hawaiian-meatballs/
If you love the combination of rich chocolate, warm cinnamon, and soft, fluffy dough, then these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls will be your new favorite treat! They’re perfect for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or just a cozy weekend indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Cravable Chocolate Recipe
- Soft and Gooey . The perfect texture with a melt-in-your-mouth filling.
- Chocolatey Goodness . Packed with layers of chocolate flavor in every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly . Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Customizable . Add nuts, caramel, or extra chocolate chips for your personal twist.
With this recipe, you’ll create bakery-quality rolls that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast with coffee or as dessert with hot cocoa, they’re guaranteed to be the star of the table.
What Do Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Taste Like?
Chocolate cinnamon rolls are a decadent fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and rich chocolate indulgence. The dough is soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, serving as the perfect canvas for the filling.
The chocolate filling brings a deep, rich cocoa flavor, perfectly complemented by the warm and aromatic hint of cinnamon. As you bite into the rolls, you’ll discover melty pockets of chocolate chips, adding bursts of gooey sweetness that make each mouthful irresistible.
The brown sugar in the filling caramelizes slightly during baking, creating a subtle toffee-like undertone that enhances the overall flavor. Topping it all off, the creamy vanilla frosting drizzled over the rolls adds just the right amount of sweetness, tying all the flavors together.
Chocolate cinnamon rolls taste like the perfect marriage of comfort food and dessert—a treat that is indulgent, warm, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dough
- All-Purpose Flour- Provides the structure for the rolls while ensuring they remain light and fluffy.
- Granulated Sugar- Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the flavors of the dough.
- Yeast- Active dry yeast is essential for creating the airy and risen texture of the rolls.
- Salt- Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Milk- Activates the yeast and provides moisture to create a soft dough.
- Unsalted Butter- Adds richness and contributes to the dough’s tender texture.
- Eggs- Bind the ingredients together and enrich the dough for a smooth, pliable consistency.
Chocolate Filling
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder- Creates the rich, chocolatey base of the filling.
- Brown Sugar- Sweetens the filling while adding a hint of caramel-like depth.
- Ground Cinnamon- Provides a warm, aromatic contrast to the chocolate.
- Unsalted Butter- Helps spread the filling evenly across the dough and adds richness.
- Chocolate Chips- Melty pockets of chocolate that enhance the indulgence in every bite.
Frosting
- Powdered Sugar- Creates a sweet and smooth base for the frosting.
- Milk or Cream- Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for an ideal drizzle or spread.
- Vanilla Extract- Adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness to the frosting, tying the flavors together beautifully.
How To Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
- Prepare the Dough . In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling . In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the chocolate mixture and chocolate chips on top.
- Roll and Cut . Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12x16 inches. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Rise Again . Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30 minutes, or until puffed up.
- Bake . Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Frost and Serve . While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the frosting. Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy!
Tips And Tricks
Crafting perfect chocolate cinnamon rolls is all about paying attention to detail and using a few tried-and-true techniques to ensure they come out fluffy, flavorful, and irresistible. Here are some expert tips and tricks to guide you:
- Activate the Yeast Properly . Ensure your milk is warm but not too hot (about 110°F).
- Use Room Temperature Butter . Softened butter spreads easily, making it easier to achieve an even filling layer.
- Roll Tightly . Roll the dough firmly to avoid gaps between layers.
- Don’t Overbake . Remove the rolls when golden brown to keep them soft and gooey inside.
Variations
Chocolate cinnamon rolls are a versatile treat that can be customized to suit a variety of flavors and preferences. Here are some creative variations to try:
- Nutty- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
- Double Chocolate Delight - Use dark chocolate chips and drizzle with melted chocolate instead of frosting.
- Caramel Chocolate- Swirl caramel sauce into the filling for an indulgent twist.
- Espresso- Mix 1 teaspoon of instant coffee into the filling for a mocha flavor.
What To Enjoy With Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
Chocolate cinnamon rolls are a decadent treat on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides or drinks can elevate the experience even further. Here are some fantastic options to enjoy:
- Coffee or Hot Cocoa - Pair with a warm drink for a cozy treat. Fresh
- Fruit Salad - Adds a light and refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream - A dollop of whipped cream elevates the decadence.
How Long Do They Last?
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing or freeze fully baked rolls without frosting.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating. Add frosting just before serving for the freshest taste.
Our Best Cinnamon Roll Recipes
- Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- TikTok Cinnamon Rolls
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
- Protein Cinnamon Rolls
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls | Indulgent Breakfast Recipe
Ingredients
For The Dough
- ▢ 3 3/4 cups All Purpose Flour
- ▢ 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- ▢ 2 1/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 3/4 cup Milk , warm
- ▢ 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter , melted
- ▢ 2 Eggs
Filling
- ▢ 2 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ▢ 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- ▢ 1 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ▢ 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter , softened
- ▢ 1/2 cups Chocolate Chips
For The Glaze
- ▢ 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- ▢ 2 tbsp Heavy Cream
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough . In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling . In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the chocolate mixture and chocolate chips on top.
- Roll and Cut . Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12x16 inches. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Rise Again . Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30 minutes, or until puffed up.
- Bake . Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Frost and Serve . While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the frosting. Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy!
