Get ready to fall in love with these Pineapple BBQ Meatballs! This dish is the ultimate combination of sweet, tangy, and savory, featuring juicy meatballs bathed in a glossy pineapple barbecue sauce. Every bite bursts with flavor and a little zing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a new weeknight treat with a tropical twist, the 8 (yes, that perfect batch size!) will absolutely delight everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something magical in these Pineapple BBQ Meatballs. Each element adds its own charm—whether it’s texture, color, or a boost of flavor—that brings the 8 to life.

Ground turkey (or beef or pork): The foundation of the meatballs, lean but still wonderfully moist when baked.
Large onion (chopped): Provides moisture and sweet richness to balance the barbecue sauce.
Garlic (minced): Infuses every bite with undeniable savory depth.
Scallion (chopped): Adds a refreshing green crunch and a hint of mild onion flavor.
Large egg: The binding agent that ensures each meatball holds together perfectly.
Breadcrumbs: Give a tender, juicy bite and keep the inside light instead of dense.
Sesame seeds: Bring a toasty, nutty note and a subtle crunch—don’t skip these!
Cilantro (chopped): Lends a fresh, herby punch that cuts through the sauce’s sweetness.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, but don’t be shy—these are crucial for bringing everything together.
Oil (for baking): A little brush on the sheet pan ensures no sticking and a beautiful golden finish.
Pineapple juice: The sweet backbone of the BBQ sauce, giving it that unmistakable tropical twist.
Low sodium soy sauce: Offers savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Tomato paste: Adds body and tang, turning the sauce luxuriously thick and rich.
Cornstarch: The thickener that helps the sauce cling to every meatball nicely.
Molasses (NOT blackstrap): Just enough for a mellow, earthy sweetness that elevates the barbecue flavor.
Honey: Lightly sweetens and balances out the savory notes in the sauce.
Sesame oil (optional): For those who love a toasted, aromatic edge—drizzle a little in for a real treat.
Worcestershire sauce: A tiny bit for deep, umami richness that rounds out the glaze.
Ground ginger: For a gentle heat and warmth that highlights the pineapple.
Dried garlic powder: Enhances the allium profile and layers on even more savory character.
Finely diced pineapple or canned crushed pineapple: Adds bursts of sweet, juicy fruit—choose fresh for bright flavor or canned for extra convenience!

How to Make Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by gathering everything but the oil in one large bowl. If you’ve got a handheld mixer, it makes the job absolutely effortless (and less messy), blending all the ingredients until thoroughly combined. No mixer? Your hands work just as well—just dig in, knead everything together, and marvel at how quickly a fragrant, colorful mixture comes together. This is essential groundwork for turning out the best batch of 8!

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Scoop out about 1.5 teaspoons of mixture for each meatball—this makes them perfectly bite-sized. Roll them gently between your palms for a uniform shape and pop them onto a lightly oiled baking sheet. If you’re aiming for Instagram-worthy roundness, slide them in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking. Totally optional, but definitely fun if you’re going for wow-factor!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 410°F and let the magic happen! Bake the meatballs for 10–12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Don’t over-bake—just watch for that golden color and no pink in the middle. This gives your 8 a gorgeous seared crust and still keeps the inside succulent.

Step 4: Make the Pineapple BBQ Sauce

While your meatballs are baking, grab a large skillet and whisk together all the sauce ingredients, except for the pineapple. Once everything’s smooth and glossy, stir in the pineapple itself. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until you have a luscious, thick sauce that smells like absolute heaven!

Step 5: Glaze the Meatballs

Now for the grand finale—add your freshly baked meatballs into the skillet with the sauce. Put the pan back over low heat and gently toss those beauties until each one is fully coated and gleaming with sticky pineapple BBQ goodness. This final glaze step ensures you get that perfect sweet-savory hit in every single bite of the 8.

How to Serve Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped cilantro, extra sesame seeds, and thinly sliced scallions make dazzling garnishes for these meatballs. A handful scattered just before serving not only brightens the plate but adds another layer of fresh, crisp flavor and a pop of color.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, serve your 8 with fluffy jasmine rice, a simple sesame cucumber salad, or lightly sautéed veggies. These sides soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce and balance the sweet and savory notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your 8 into party-perfect appetizers by skewering them with toothpicks, or stuff a few into slider buns with pickle slices for mini sandwiches. For a fun family dinner, serve over coconut rice with grilled pineapple rings—the explosion of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover 8 cool completely, then transfer them (along with the sauce) into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them a fantastic option for meal prep or easy lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled 8 on a baking sheet so they’re not touching, freeze until solid, then pop them into a freezer bag with the sauce in a separate container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months, perfect for impromptu parties or quick weeknight dinners.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your 8 gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave them (covered) in short bursts until heated through—just be careful not to overdo it and dry them out!

FAQs

Can I use beef or pork instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef or pork both work wonderfully with the sweet-tangy sauce and will add a slightly richer flavor. Just be mindful of the fat content if you opt for pork, and adjust your baking time if needed.

Is it okay to substitute fresh pineapple with canned?

Of course! Canned crushed pineapple makes the sauce even more luscious and saves you a bit of prep. Just be sure to drain off excess juice to avoid a watery sauce.

Can I double this recipe for more than 8?

You bet. Simply double all your ingredients and follow the same instructions—make sure to use a larger baking sheet and skillet if needed, and remember to keep the batches of sauce manageable so everything thickens beautifully.

Does the 8 taste spicy?

Nope! These are all about sweet and tangy flavor with just a gentle touch of ginger and garlic warmth. If you do want a kick, add a bit of chili flakes to the sauce while simmering.

How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?

The egg and breadcrumbs are key—make sure everything’s mixed thoroughly so the protein binds together. If your mixture feels too loose, add a bit more breadcrumbs, and chill before shaping if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy but unforgettable meal, these Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are absolutely it! The combination of flavors and that signature batch of 8 will win hearts at any table. So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients, whip up your own dish, and get ready to savor every single bite!

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Makes about 20 meatballs 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are a delicious twist on traditional meatballs, combining the sweetness of pineapple with savory BBQ flavors. Tender meatballs are coated in a sticky, tangy sauce that’s bursting with tropical taste. Perfect for a party appetizer or served over rice for a meal.

Instructions

Make the meatballs: Place all ingredients EXCEPT for the oil in a large bowl. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated and sticks together. Shape into meatballs and place on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
Bake meatballs: Preheat the oven to 410°F. Bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
Make the sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients (except pineapple) in a skillet. Stir in the pineapple, bring to a boil, then simmer until thickened.
Finish the dish: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until glazed.