These Sweet Chili Cocktail Meatballs are the kind of appetizer that disappears fast at parties. They are sticky, saucy, gently spicy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you are hosting game day, a holiday potluck, or just need a no-stress snack, this recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort. If you enjoy bold chili flavors, you may also like this comforting white chicken chili for cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love It
- Perfect for parties: Easy to serve with toothpicks.
- Minimal prep: Just a few pantry staples.
- Sweet and spicy: A crowd-pleasing balance.
- Flexible: Works with homemade or frozen meatballs.
Sweet Chili Cocktail Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Sticky, sweet, gently spicy meatballs that are perfect for parties, potlucks, or easy dinners. Made with minimal effort and bold chili flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lb fully cooked meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and glossy.
- Transfer to a serving dish or slow cooker on warm. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Add chili paste or chili crisp for extra depth. Slow cooker version: Cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. Oven method: Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, stirring once. For more heat, add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: sweet chili, cocktail meatballs, party appetizer, spicy meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 lb fully cooked meatballs (beef, or turkey)
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and glossy.
- Transfer to a serving dish or slow cooker on warm. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
For extra depth, add a spoonful of chili paste or chili crisp to the sauce. If you love garlic-forward snacks, you may enjoy chili-stuffed garlic dough balls alongside these meatballs.
- Slow cooker: After making the sauce, add everything to a crockpot and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours.
- Oven method: Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, stirring once.
- Extra heat: Add sriracha or more red pepper flakes.
Substitutions
- Use grape jelly instead of brown sugar for a classic sweet chili twist.
- Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Try plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Sweet Chili Cocktail Meatballs with toothpicks as an appetizer, or spoon them over steamed rice for an easy dinner. A cool dip like chili crisp Greek yogurt dip on the side helps balance the heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the meatballs and sauce up to one day ahead and reheat before serving.
Are these very spicy?
They are mildly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat level to your liking.
More to Try
Conclusion
These Sweet Chili Cocktail Meatballs are simple, bold, and perfect for sharing. With a sticky sweet chili glaze and endless serving options, they belong on your party menu year-round.