How many of you get excited for football season to start? I never used to be excited for that, but since moving to Colorado I’ve started to get into it a little more. Football fever is much greater here in Colorado than it ever was in Arizona. The fact that we have a pretty awesome team helps (nevermind that horrible display at the Super Bowl last year). You always know it’s game day here because everyone has on their Broncos shirts and jerseys, it’s almost weird if you aren’t wearing one. This reminds me that I need to get a new one this year since my favorite Peyton Manning shirt shrunk in the dryer last year and would now fit a 5 year old.
I think what I love most about football season is the parties and the FOOD! Hello, I’m pretty sure the main reason people throw football parties is for the food and the beer and here in Colorado we do both of those things pretty darn well (you may have heard of a little brewery we have here called Coors) ;-). One of my favorite things to eat at football parties aside from any kind of dessert that is being offered up are meatballs. They are easy to eat, one bite flavor bombs. These Asian Meatballs with Pineapple Slaw are a great twist on the classic BBQ sauce covered meatball that you normally get.
The inspiration for this tasty appetizer came from my latest issue of Food Network Magazine. The original recipe was for Chinese Meatball Sliders. While I love the idea of sliders, I decided to make mine bun free because I figured there would be enough carb loading with chips, brownies, and cookies during the game. I also chose to make mine using ground turkey rather than pork but you could certainly use pork if you would prefer.
The key ingredients that give the meatballs all their flavor are fresh ginger, green onion, and hoisin sauce, which is essentially the Asian equivalent to BBQ sauce. Not only is there hoisin in the meatballs, but it is also used as a glaze on top of the meatballs. I served the meatballs on top of the most delicious pineapple slaw! The dressing for the slaw was a combination of healthy Greek yogurt, a touch of light mayo, a little agave nectar for sweetness, salt and pepper. The combination of the tangy, barely sweet dressing paired with fresh sweet pineapple has made this one of my new favorite coleslaws. The fresh pineapple really took this slaw to the next level. Serving the saucy hoisin covered Asian meatballs on top of the pineapple slaw was a perfect pairing of salty and sweet, which as I’m sure you know by now one of my favorite flavor combinations.
These Asian Meatballs with Pineapple Slaw are perfect for serving at your next football party because they are easy to make, they can be made ahead of time and kept warm in a slow cooker, and it’s one of those appetizers that people can’t seem to leave alone. They start with one or two, but keep watching them, they’ll go back and grab a couple more at least two more times…oh maybe that’s just me. Hey, I have no shame, when food is good it’s good and we should enjoy it to it’s fullest!
They look delicious! Too bad I don’t eat meat, but the slaw <3 I have to try it.
Thanks Sofia! I hope you love the slaw!
I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I love football food even more than the actual football. LOL. I could definitely see myself making a meal outta these gorgeous meatballs! Love that pineapple slaw! :)
I visited my friend who lives in Denver during football season last year and got to tailgate at a Broncos game, which was lots of fun. You Colorado-ians make football so much fun! Here in Tahoe, people don’t get as animated about football…kinda wish we could have some sort of fb revival here.
Your meatballs…ugh they look so good! Pineapple slaw? Oh just stop it. I want the whole plate :D
i love meatballs but have never made them before! loving your presentation of the meatballs and slaw, definitely a dish i know that i would love the devour…
These photos are gorgeous! I’m such a sucker for meatballs…any variety! I used to be uninterested in football but now I’m on board and you’re right…it’s all about the food :)
I didn’t follow football much until I moved to a college football town. Now we love tailgating and watching the games. And of course, I love eating all of the delicious food. I love these meatballs. The pineapple slaw looks incredible!
Thanks Ashley! I was the same way, never really followed it in AZ, but now that I’m in a football loving city it’s much more fun to watch the games and have parties!
Pineapple slaw?! Yum!! The perfect condiment for these Asian meatballs. I’m totally loving this recipe.
Thanks Sarah! The pineapple slaw is perfect with the meatballs!
Awwh these meatballs look absolutely darling! And I really like the sound of that pineapple slaw. It sounds so summery and fresh :)
Thanks Consuelo! The pineapple slaw was delish!
I’m SO excited for football season, although I’m much more of a college football lover than professional, either way, I’m ready for Saturday and Sunday watch parties, and of course good food! Meatballs are one of those food items that everyone loves, but they can get so repetitive, these are perfect to jazz things up a bit!
Thanks Nicole! I love getting together with family and friends to watch the games and eat good food!
I love anything Asian inspired and these look absolutely amazing. Can’t wait to try them! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Erin! I agree Asian inspired food is one of my favorites!
Love the presentation, the flavors, the photos, perfect!
Thanks Matt! :-)
I’m never super into football season, even though I love sports. But noshing on great eats all day Sunday while others watch the game is my idea of fun. I’ll definitely be making these at some point. They look amazing!
Thanks Kim! The food is definitely the best part of football Sundays!