The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, and every time I make Hawaiian Cocktail Meatballs, I smile because this dish reminds me how food travels across cultures and brings people together. Growing up, my grandmother always said that sweet and savory flavors were made for celebration. While Hawaiian Cocktail Meatballs aren’t a traditional Greek recipe, they fit perfectly into that philosophy of warmth, sharing, and joy.
I remember the first time I made Hawaiian Cocktail Meatballs for friends during a small gathering in my kitchen. The counter was messy, music was playing, and women were laughing while helping roll meatballs. That’s when I realized how magical this recipe is. Hawaiian Cocktail Meatballs are easy, comforting, and absolutely perfect for bringing people closer.
I love how Hawaiian Cocktail Meatballs combine tender meatballs with a glossy, sweet pineapple sauce that feels festive but effortless. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving something cozy, Hawaiian Cocktail Meatballs always show up strong. They’re simple, flavorful, and made to be shared just like the food I learned to love as a child in Crete.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients Table
| 🛒 Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| 🥩 Ground beef | 1 lb |
| 🍞 Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| 🥚 Egg | 1 |
| 🧄 Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| 🧂 Salt | 1 tsp |
| 🌶️ Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| 🍍 Pineapple chunks (with juice) | 1 can (20 oz) |
| 🍅 Ketchup | ¾ cup |
| 🍯 Brown sugar | ⅓ cup |
| 🍶 Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| 🌶️ Sweet chili sauce | ¼ cup |
| 🌽 Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| 💧 Water | 2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
👩🍳 Instructions Table
| 👩🍳 Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper |
| 2️⃣ | In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper |
| 3️⃣ | Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet |
| 4️⃣ | Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly browned |
| 5️⃣ | In a saucepan, combine pineapple (with juice), ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sweet chili sauce |
| 6️⃣ | Simmer sauce for 8–10 minutes over medium heat |
| 7️⃣ | Mix cornstarch with water and stir into sauce to thicken |
| 8️⃣ | Add baked meatballs to sauce and simmer 10 more minutes |
| 9️⃣ | Serve warm and enjoy |
Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian Cocktail Meatballs are incredibly versatile. I often serve them with toothpicks for parties, just like we do with mezze in Greece. They’re also delicious over fluffy white rice, coconut rice, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner.
For gatherings, place the Hawaiian Cocktail Meatballs in a slow cooker on warm and let guests help themselves. Add a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds for color and crunch. Trust me, the bowl will be empty fast.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
| ⏱️ Prep | ⏱️ Cook | ⏱️ Total |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 45 minutes |
🛒 Ingredients
| 🛒 What You Need |
|---|
| Ground beef |
| Breadcrumbs |
| Egg |
| Garlic |
| Pineapple chunks |
| Ketchup |
| Brown sugar |
| Soy sauce |
| Sweet chili sauce |
👩🍳 Instructions
| 👩🍳 How to Make |
|---|
| Mix meatball ingredients |
| Bake until golden |
| Simmer pineapple sauce |
| Combine and cook together |
📝 Notes
| 📝 Tips |
|---|
| Use frozen meatballs to save time |
| Adjust sweetness with extra pineapple |
| Great for slow cookers |
🍽️ Nutrition
| 🍽️ Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|
| Calories: 290 |
| Protein: 16g |
| Carbs: 22g |
| Fat: 14g |
Conclusion
Hawaiian Cocktail Meatballs are one of those recipes that feel joyful from the first bite. They remind me why I love cooking not perfection, but connection. From my Cretan kitchen to yours, I hope these Hawaiian Cocktail Meatballs bring laughter, full plates, and happy memories to your table. Food doesn’t have to be complicated to be special. Sometimes, it just needs a little sweetness and a lot of love 💛
