These sweet and spicy Chipotle Peach Meatballs are the kind of party appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “want one?” A sticky peach glaze meets smoky chipotle heat in the ultimate sweet & spicy meatball sauce. It’s bold, addictive, and surprisingly easy.
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There’s something about the combo of juicy peach preserves and smoky chipotle peppers that just gets me. It’s the kind of flavor that hits every note: sweet, spicy, tangy, and totally craveable. One bite and you’re like, “What else can I put this on?”
What makes these chipotle peach meatballs a total game changer is that BBQ-style glaze. It’s not just sauce; it’s sticky, glossy magic. The peach brings bright sweetness, while the chipotle and adobo sneak in with a slow-building heat that keeps things interesting. Toss that with juicy cocktail meatballs, and you’ve got an appetizer that people hover around like it’s the only dish on the table.
When I first tested this recipe, I may have eaten half the batch straight out of the pan under the guise of “quality control.” (No regrets.) They’re that good.
Note from the Author
2025 Update: When I first shared this recipe back in 2017, I was obsessed with putting this chipotle peach sauce on everything and honestly, not much has changed. This year, I’ve refreshed the post with clearer instructions, updated serving tips, and even more ideas for making it ahead for parties or game day. Whether you’re new here or coming back for your go-to appetizer, you’re in for a sweet, smoky, spicy treat.
Step by Step Instructions
Check out the recipe card below for more in-depth instructions for these appetizer meatballs.
- Simmer the sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine peach preserves, finely diced chipotle peppers, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it bubble gently over medium heat for 5 minutes. This is where the flavor magic starts.
- Add the meatballs: Stir in your frozen meatballs, cover the pan, and reduce to low heat. Let everything simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are warmed through and totally coated in that glossy, sweet-and-smoky sauce.
- Serve: Grab a toothpick. Or a fork. Or let’s be honest, just dive in. These meatballs are best served warm, and they reheat beautifully if you somehow have leftovers.
Recipe Testing Notes and Tips
As a recipe developer with a degree in food science, I create approachable recipes you can trust. Here are a few takeaways:
- Let the sauce simmer for at least five minutes before adding the meatballs — it gives the flavors time to meld and thicken, making every bite glossy and deeply flavorful.
- Using frozen cocktail meatballs makes this a weeknight or party win — minimal prep, maximum payoff.
- Want extra heat? Add a splash of the adobo sauce from the chipotle can. But be warned: it brings the fire.
- Can’t find peach preserves? I’ve used apricot and they are just as delicious!
Tip
The longer the sauce sits, the spicier it gets. If you’re prepping these a day ahead for a party, start with just one chipotle pepper and taste-test before serving.
Variations
- Creamy dip version: Stir the sauce into softened cream cheese for a smoky, sweet party dip.
- Slider-style: Serve meatballs on Hawaiian rolls with pickled onions for spicy-sweet mini sandwiches.
- Grill it: Skewer the cooked meatballs with peach slices and char them quickly for a smoky summer twist.
- Glaze upgrade: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce to boost the smoky flavor even more.
If you’re a fan of the sweet and savory appetizer, be sure to try out these Little Smokies too!
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Just know the heat will build overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker before serving.
Yes! Just pre-cook them first, then simmer in the sauce as directed. These air fryer turkey meatballs or baked turkey meatballs are great!
With two chipotle peppers, they’ve got a noticeable kick. If you’re heat-sensitive, start with one pepper then you can always add more.
Any store-bought peach preserves or jam will do. If you can’t find peach preserves, use apricot instead!
Serve the meatballs in a slow cooking on a warm setting! Easy and mess-free.
Chipotle Peach Meatballs
These Chipotle Peach Meatballs have the perfect kick for any occasion and are so easy to make!
Ingredients
- 18 ounces peach preserves
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely diced
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces frozen cocktail meatballs
Instructions
- Add peach preserves, diced chipotle peppers, ketchup, worchestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a medium sauce pan. Let simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add meatballs and cover. Let simmer over low heat stirring occasionally for an additional 25 minutes, or until meatballs are thawed.
- Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use apricot preserves if you can't find peach.
- Use less chipotle if you're sensitive to spice.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 167Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 311mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 4gSugar: 7gProtein: 15g
Nutrition provided is only an estimate.
Misty
Friday 4th of May 2018
I would love to make these in a crockpot, Don you think throwing this all in a crockpot at once with frozen meatballs on low for a few hours would be ok?
Sam
Thursday 28th of February 2019
That's a great question! I haven't personally tried that, but you could try adding the sauce ingredients in first, stirring together, then add in the meatballs and cover with sauce. Let us know if you do try that!