Are you ready to wow your guests with a spread of mouthwatering appetizers that are both delicious and easy to prepare? Look no further! With the versatile and flavorful Kirkland Signature Italian Beef Meatballs from Costco, you can easily put together some tasty and eye catching appetizers that will make your party a hit!
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family get-together, a lively game day party, or an elegant evening soiree, these 15 creative and delectable recipes will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
From bite-sized sliders to savory skewers, these appetizers are guaranteed to impress. Get ready to take your party menu to the next level with these irresistible meatball masterpieces!
Microwave Thawing Instructions:
All of these recipes use Costco’s fully cooked frozen Italian style meatballs. Here is how I like to thaw them before using to prepare the appetizers.
- Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish – spread them out in a single layer for even heating.
- Use the defrost setting (if available) or set the microwave to 50% power to prevent cooking the outer layer.
- Thaw in 2-minute intervals, stirring or rotating the meatballs to ensure even defrosting.
- Check the meatballs – they should be soft but still cool to the touch, not fully cooked.
- Continue thawing as needed, typically:
- 1 pound: 4-5 minutes
- 2 pounds: 8-10 minutes
Meatball Marinara Sliders
These sliders are bite-sized and perfect for parties. The combination of melted cheese, savory meatball, and fresh basil is a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation: Slice meatballs in half and place on mini slider buns with a slice of provolone cheese, a basil leaf, and a spoonful of marinara sauce. Toast in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the buns are slightly crispy.
Meatball Reuben Sliders
A twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, these sliders combine savory meatballs with tangy sauerkraut and creamy Thousand Island dressing.
Preparation: Split mini slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Top each with a meatball, half a slice of Swiss cheese, and a spoonful of sauerkraut. Drizzle with Thousand Island dressing. Place the top halves of the buns on each slider, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with caraway seeds if using. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are slightly crispy. Serve warm.
Meatball Crostini
The crispy baguette provides a satisfying crunch, while the meatball and sauce create a flavorful, savory bite.
Preparation: Toast slices of baguette until golden brown. Top each slice with a meatball, a dollop of marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Meatball Poppers
The flaky pastry and savory meatball create a delicious contrast, and the dipping sauce adds extra flavor. These bite-sized treats are an easy-to-eat appetizer that will impress your guests.
Preparation:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Unroll a tube of refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Cut each triangle into smaller pieces, about 2-3 inches wide, to fit around each meatball.
- Wrap the Meatballs: Place a meatball on the wider end of each dough piece. Optionally, you can add a small slice of mozzarella cheese or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning on top of each meatball before wrapping. Roll the dough around the meatball, pinching the edges to seal completely.
- Bake: Place the wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each popper with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve the meatball poppers warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. For an added touch, garnish the marinara sauce with fresh basil or parsley.
- Optional Enhancements:
- Spicy Kick: Add a small slice of jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce inside the dough before wrapping the meatball.
- Herb Butter: Mix melted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt, then brush over the poppers before baking for an aromatic touch.
Meatball Lettuce Wraps
This is a light and refreshing appetizer, with a nice contrast between the warm meatball and the crisp, fresh vegetables.
Preparation: Heat the meatballs in the microwave until warm (2-3 minutes per pound). Wrap meatballs in lettuce leaves with shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce. Secure with a toothpick if needed. Serve immediately.
BBQ Bacon Meatball Skewers
A hearty and smoky skewer perfect for BBQ lovers.
Preparation: Wrap meatballs in half slices of bacon and secure with toothpicks. Thread onto a skewer with a chunk of red bell pepper and a button mushroom. Brush with BBQ sauce and grill or bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Meatball Caprese Skewers
The skewers are easy to eat and visually appealing. The flavors of tomato, mozzarella, and basil complement the meatballs perfectly.
Preparation: Thread meatballs onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Meatball Antipasto Skewers
These skewers are packed with a variety of flavors and textures, making them a satisfying and visually appealing appetizer.
Preparation: Thread meatballs, olives, roasted red peppers, and cubes of provolone cheese onto skewers. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Teriyaki Meatball Skewers
A savory and slightly sweet option that’s sure to please.
Preparation: Thread meatballs onto skewers with chunks of pineapple, red bell pepper, and red onion. Brush with teriyaki sauce and grill or bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Southwest Meatball Skewers
A zesty and colorful skewer with a southwestern flair.
Preparation: Thread meatballs onto skewers with chunks of avocado, red bell pepper, and red onion. Brush with a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, and taco seasoning. Grill or bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Serve with a side of creamy chipotle sauce for dipping.
Sweet and Tangy Crockpot Meatballs
These meatballs are easy to prepare and feature a delicious sweet and tangy sauce that guests will love.
Preparation: In a crockpot, combine 1 cup of grape jelly, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, and 1/4 cup of soy sauce. Add 2-3 pounds of meatballs and stir to coat evenly. Cook on low for 2-3 hours stirring occasionally. Serve warm, straight from the crockpot, with toothpicks for easy eating.
Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs
These meatballs have a sweet and savory flavor that’s sure to be a hit with guests.
Preparation: In a crockpot, mix 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Add 2-3 pounds of meatballs and stir to coat evenly. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
The tangy cranberry and barbecue sauce combination makes these meatballs a festive and flavorful appetizer.
Preparation: In a crockpot, combine 1 can of jellied cranberry sauce, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Add 2-3 pounds of meatballs and stir to coat well. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve warm with toothpicks.
Sweet and Sour Crockpot Meatballs
These meatballs offer a delicious balance of sweet and sour flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Preparation: In a crockpot, mix 1 cup of pineapple juice, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Add 2-3 pounds of meatballs and stir to coat evenly. Cook on low for for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with toothpicks and garnish with pineapple chunks and green onions.
Crockpot Meatball Stroganoff Bites
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Crockpot Meatball Stroganoff, a delicious and easy appetizer that’s perfect for parties and gatherings. Tender meatballs are slow-cooked in a luscious mushroom and sour cream sauce, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Serve with toothpicks or over mini toasts for an irresistible bite-sized treat.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lbs of Costco Italian-style meatballs
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until well combined.
- Add to crockpot: Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to evenly coat the meatballs.
- Serve: Once heated through and the sauce is creamy, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with toothpicks for an easy appetizer option or over mini toasts for a heartier bite.
