These 3 ingredient Grape Jelly Meatballs are the perfect appetizer for any party or game day celebration. The unique combination of grape jelly and chili sauce make an amazingly sweet and tangy sauce for the meatballs and even easier in the crockpot!
Grape Jelly Meatballs
This meatball recipe is SO EASY! You might be thinking that this combination of ingredients seems weird. Believe me it does sound strange but it makes the most amazing appetizer!
Whenever I make these they are a huge hit! And they work for every occasion, from an easy dinner during the week to any holiday party.
Don’t forget all the game day celebrations that you have in the fall all the way to Super Bowl Sunday.
I love a one pot appetizer with minimal prep work and the slow cooker doubles as a serving dish. And with a crock pot liner, easy clean up too!
It’s just 3 ingredients, has sweet, spicy, sour, and tangy flavors, takes less than 5 minutes of prep, and you’re guaranteed no leftovers because they will be gone in no time!
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Ingredients Needed
Frozen Meatballs – I like to make my own homemade meatballs. I make an extra large batch a few times a year and keep them in 2 pound packages in the freezer. You can also use turkey or chicken meatballs.
Grape Jelly – I know it sounds strange but use the plain grape jelly with no seeds or fruit pieces in it.
Chili Sauce – I use Heinz Chili Sauce. This is usually found between the ketchup and BBQ sauce in the grocery store. I promise it’s there.
In my store they have it on the top shelf but don’t be afraid to ask someone. If the store has a generic brand available you can use that.
Sauce Variations:
Grape Jelly: You can substitute hot pepper jelly, apricot preserves, orange marmalade, raspberry jelly, or even canned cranberry sauce!
Chili Sauce: You can switch up the chili sauce for plain ketchup or even a basic BBQ sauce. Just watch out for extra flavors in either one that can change the flavor profile.
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How to make Grape Jelly Chili Sauce Meatballs
First: In a medium sized bowl, combine the grape jelly and chili sauce. Stir to combine.
Second: Place meatballs in the crock pot.
Third: Pour sauce over the meatballs and stir to coat.
Fourth: Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on high for 1.5 hours or on low for 3 hours. Stir occasionally. Turn setting on warm and enjoy with forks or toothpicks.
For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
How long do they last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
You can even freeze them for up to 2 months. Great for making ahead. Thaw overnight in the fridge and toss back in the slow cooker.
Serving Suggestions
- Fancy or non-fancy tooth picks
- Bamboo forks
- Slider buns
- Over rice (the sauce is great with rice!)
Tapas Tips & Tricks
- Make sure you find plain chili sauce and not Sriracha hot chili sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce. They will be SUPER SPICY!
- Want to switch it up a little? Try barbecue sauce. Combine the grape jelly and bbq sauce as directed above.
- If using pre-made frozen meatballs, just be sure the package states that they are fully cooked. Otherwise you will have to cook them first.
- Don’t want to make them in a slow cooker? Make the sauce in a large pot on the stove top over medium heat, add the meatballs, and cook until heated through.
- You can even bake them in the oven. Combine all the ingredients in a 9×13 baking dish, cook at 350F for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove and enjoy!
The only limit is your imagination when it comes to cocktail meatballs. Want more recipes? Check out this list!
To see the rest of the list of 40+ Best Meatball Appetizers check out this post.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!
Grape Jelly Crockpot Meatballs are everyone’s favorite appetizer recipe! With just 3 ingredients it’s easy to prep and disappears fast! Perfect for any occasion!
Grape Jelly Chili Sauce Meatballs
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 2 cups chili sauce
Instructions
- Place chili sauce and grape jelly in the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Add the frozen meatballs. Stir to coat.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low 3 hours or until heated through.
- Turn heat to low/warm to keep hot while serving at the party.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure you find plain chili sauce and not Sriracha hot chili sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce. They will be SUPER SPICY!
- Want to switch it up a little? Try barbecue sauce. Combine the grape jelly and bbq sauce as directed above.
- If using pre-made frozen meatballs, just be sure the package states that they are fully cooked. Otherwise you will have to cook them first.
- Don’t want to make them in a slow cooker? Make the sauce in a large pot on the stove top over medium heat, add the meatballs, and cook until heated through.
- You can even bake them in the oven. Combine all the ingredients in a 9×13 baking dish, cook at 350F for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Allyson Zea
Friday 19th of January 2024
These are a party staple for me! Thanks for the easy recipe!
Jennifer Stewart
Friday 19th of January 2024
I'm so glad you like them!
Veronica b
Tuesday 25th of April 2023
These are incredibly easy to prepare and are so tasty. Wonderful!