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Okay, friends, let’s get real about holiday parties. You want to serve a super delicious hot appetizer… but you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen. What if I told you the ultimate party appetizer has only 3 ingredients and practically makes itself?

Meet my no-stress champion: these 3-Ingredient Crockpot Hot Honey Meatballs. This is, without a doubt, the easiest wow factor recipe I have. It’s a “dump-and-go” dream that takes our #1 flavor—that amazing 5-Minute Homemade Hot Honey—and turns it into the most addictive, spicy-sweet glaze.

You just whisk the sauce in the crockpot (cleanup is a dream!), dump in the meatballs, and walk away. A final sprinkle of sesame and green onions makes them look “foodie-level” polished. These are a true showstopper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only 3 Ingredients! You read that right. This is the definition of “wow factor without the work.”
The Ultimate “Dump-and-Go” Recipe: You whisk the sauce in the slow cooker, add the meatballs, and let it do all the magic.
Spicy-Sweet Flavor: This is the perfect crossover, using our 5-Minute Hot Honey to create a glaze that’s perfectly balanced, tangy, and addictive.
The Party Champion: They stay warm in the crockpot all night! Just set out a bowl of toothpicks and watch them vanish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, let’s get our three ingredients. You’ll need a bottle of chili sauce (the classic savory kind, like Heinz), a bag of your favorite frozen cooked meatballs, and our star ingredient: a cup of our 5-Minute Homemade Hot Honey.

Now for the easiest step ever. Get your slow cooker insert. Don’t even turn it on yet. Pour the entire bottle of chili sauce and all of that hot honey right into the pot. Whisk them together until they’re one glossy sauce. That’s it. No extra bowls!

Next, the “dump” part of our “dump-and-go.” Add the entire bag of frozen meatballs to the crockpot. Grab a spoon and stir them all up, making sure every single meatball is coated in that amazing hot honey glaze.

Finally, the “go” part. Put the lid on, turn the crockpot on LOW, and walk away for 2-3 hours (or HIGH for 1-1.5 hours). Your house is going to smell incredible. When they’re hot and bubbly, give them one last stir.

Just before serving, pull the insert out of the slow cooker and hit them with our garnish. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh, sharp green onions cuts the richness and makes them look so polished.

Ava’s Notes

Which Chili Sauce? Make sure you get the savory chili sauce (it’s usually near the ketchup), NOT the sweet chili sauce you find in the international aisle. The chili sauce has a ‘Tang Factor’ (vinegar!) that balances our sweet hot honey.
Want It Even Spicier? You are in control! Use the “Extra Spicy” version of our 5-Minute Hot Honey recipe, or just add a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce.
How to Serve: These are the ultimate no-stress party food. I just turn the crockpot to “Keep Warm” and set it on the buffet with a little jar of toothpicks. They’re also super delicious on slider buns!

Tools You’ll Need:

If you’re in the market for a slow cooker that can do it ALL, check out the Ninja Foodi
A whisk

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