Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One of my fondest memories from childhood is sitting around the kitchen table with my sisters, laughing as we devoured little sweet and savory bites that Mom would serve during parties. Among those treats, nothing was more magical than tiny meatballs with a hint of pineapple and a glossy brown sugar glaze the kind you could pop on a toothpick and savor while chatting with friends. That memory inspired me to create Toothpick Hawaiian Meatballs for Parties, a dish that’s now a staple at my own gatherings.
I’ve made these meatballs countless times, and each time I serve them, I see the same thing on my guests’ faces delight. The balance of sweet pineapple, tangy sauce, and juicy meat keeps everyone coming back for more. These Hawaiian meatballs are perfect for parties, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in when you want a bite of happiness in every mouthful.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned host, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. I promise you’ll fall in love with these meatballs the same way I did because food is more than sustenance; it’s a way to bring people together.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I adore recipes that make hosting feel effortless. Toothpick Hawaiian Meatballs for Parties are exactly that they’re easy, mess-free, and always a hit. I love how the sweet pineapple chunks and brown sugar glaze complement the savory meat, creating a flavor combination that feels both festive and comforting.
Another reason I love making these meatballs is the memories they create. Watching friends and family enjoy something I’ve made warms my heart in a way nothing else does. Food has a magical ability to connect people, and these meatballs are tiny ambassadors of joy.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
- Toothpicks, for serving
Kitchen Secrets:
- Using ground turkey keeps the meatballs light, but beef adds extra richness.
- Make sure to drain the pineapple; excess juice can make the sauce too runny.
- Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry this ensures the sauce thickens perfectly without clumps.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork the meat.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until fully cooked through. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, combine drained pineapple, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves.
- Mix the cornstarch with water, then slowly stir it into the pineapple sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the pineapple glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to coat.
- Add toothpicks for easy serving.
How I Serve It at Home
I like serving these meatballs warm on a platter, with toothpicks sticking out for easy picking. They’re perfect as an appetizer for parties, paired with a crisp white wine or sparkling juice. I also love adding a few pineapple chunks and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color it makes them even more inviting.
For family dinners, I sometimes serve them over steamed rice. The sweet-savory sauce soaks into the rice, turning a simple meal into something special.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. Store the sauce separately to keep the meatballs from getting soggy.
- Reheating: Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
- Freezing: Fully cooked meatballs freeze beautifully. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight and reheat with sauce.
100-Word Short Version
These Toothpick Hawaiian Meatballs for Parties are a sweet and savory crowd-pleaser. Juicy meatballs baked to perfection are coated in a brown sugar and pineapple glaze, creating a bite-size treat that’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Quick to prepare and endlessly tasty, they bring friends and family together with every bite. Serve warm with toothpicks for effortless fun, or pair over rice for a comforting meal. Make ahead for busy days, freeze for future gatherings, and enjoy the joy these little bites bring to every table. Sweet, sticky, and unforgettable!
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Toothpicks, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix ground meat with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Form 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine pineapple, brown sugar, and soy sauce; cook until sugar dissolves.
- Stir cornstarch slurry into sauce; cook until thickened.
- Toss baked meatballs with sauce.
- Serve warm with toothpicks.
📝 Notes
- Drain pineapple to prevent a watery sauce.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: store meatballs and sauce separately for best texture.
- Freezing: fully cooked meatballs freeze well; thaw overnight.
🍽️ Nutrition
Calories: 120 per meatball 🍴 Protein: 7g 🥩 Fat: 5g 🧂 Sodium: 210mg 💖 Sugar: 6g 🍍 Carbs: 9g 🍴 Fiber: 0.5g
Toothpick Hawaiian Meatballs for Parties
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Hawaiian
Description
These Toothpick Hawaiian Meatballs for Parties are juicy, sweet, and savory, perfect for any gathering. Each bite-sized meatball is coated in a glossy brown sugar and pineapple glaze that everyone will love. Easy to make and endlessly delicious, they bring friends and family together with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Toothpicks, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix ground meat with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Form 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine pineapple, brown sugar, and soy sauce; cook until sugar dissolves.
- Stir cornstarch slurry into sauce; cook until thickened.
- Toss baked meatballs with sauce.
- Serve warm with toothpicks.
Notes
Drain pineapple to prevent watery sauce. Use ground turkey for a lighter version. Make-ahead: store meatballs and sauce separately. Freezing: fully cooked meatballs freeze well; thaw overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Conclusion
I hope you love making Toothpick Hawaiian Meatballs for Parties as much as I do. Each bite is a little piece of happiness, a way to bring people together, and a reminder that the best memories are made around the kitchen table. Cooking is my way of sharing love, and with this recipe, you can do the same for your friends and family. Serve them up, watch the smiles appear, and enjoy the joy that simple, delicious food can bring.