Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are a fantastic dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors in a simple and convenient way. Whether you’re preparing for a game day, a family gathering, or just a cozy dinner, these meatballs are sure to please everyone. The slow cooker makes this recipe even easier, allowing you to set it and forget it until it’s time to eat.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs is a great choice for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare, as you just need to mix the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work. Second, they are packed with flavor, balancing the sweetness of honey and apricot with the kick of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Lastly, these meatballs can be served as a main dish or as a party appetizer, making them incredibly versatile.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 (26-ounce) bag frozen meatballs
- ¼ cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce (more to taste)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup apricot preserves
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
Directions
- Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and add the 1 (26-ounce) bag of frozen meatballs.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce, ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup apricot preserves, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir to coat them well.
- Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, stirring periodically.
- When the meatballs are heated through, serve them fresh or keep warm until ready to serve.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
You can serve these meatballs on their own, drizzled with extra sauce if desired. They pair well with toothpicks for easy eating at parties. You can also serve them over rice or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less Frank’s Red Hot Sauce according to your preference.
- Mix in some chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
- For a thicker sauce, you can adjust the cornstarch amount.
Variation
You can swap out the frozen meatballs for homemade meatballs if you prefer. Additionally, try using different types of hot sauces or adding chopped garlic for more flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free meatballs and soy sauce, such as tamari, to create a gluten-free version of this dish.
2. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook the meatballs on high for about 2-3 hours, but remember to stir periodically.
3. What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs go well with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. They also make great appetizers with chips or veggie sticks!
Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (26-ounce) frozen meatballs Can use homemade meatballs if preferred
- ¼ cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce Adjust to taste for spice level
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup apricot preserves
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Use gluten-free soy sauce for gluten-free version
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch Adjust for thicker sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and add the frozen meatballs.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce, honey, apricot preserves, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir to coat them well.
Cooking
- Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, stirring periodically.
- When the meatballs are heated through, serve them fresh or keep warm until ready to serve.
