These Honey Garlic Cocktail Meatballs are a must-have for holiday parties and New Year’s celebrations. Tender meatballs are coated in a sweet, sticky, garlicky glaze that clings beautifully and stays glossy for hours in a slow cooker or skillet.

They’re quick, simple, unbelievably delicious, and guaranteed to disappear faster than any other appetizer on the table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or need something easy for a potluck, this viral appetizer never fails!

This is a Simply Made Recipe provided by Lilly Ashley. Good recipes, without the paragraphs and fluff to sift through. Save the sifting for the baking! Follow on FB for new recipes and updates!

⏱ Time Needed

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (stovetop) or 2 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 20 minutes (stovetop) or 2 hrs 5 minutes (slow cooker)

🍽 Yield

Makes: 40 meatballs
Serves: 10–12 as appetizers

⭐ Ingredients

Meatballs

1 bag frozen homestyle meatballs (32–40 count)
(homemade also works — optional)

Honey Garlic Sauce

½ cup honey
½ cup ketchup
3 tbsp soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: 1–2 tbsp sriracha for heat
Optional garnish: sesame seeds + sliced green onions

⭐ Instructions

Stovetop Method

In a large skillet, whisk together honey, ketchup, soy sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, and pepper.
Add frozen meatballs and stir to coat.
Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are heated through and the sauce thickens.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Slow Cooker Method

Add frozen meatballs to a slow cooker.
Whisk together the sauce ingredients and pour over the meatballs.
Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1.5 hours, stirring halfway through.
Switch to “warm” setting for serving at parties.