My aunt brings these to every family gathering and they're always gone within 10 minutes. These Grape Jelly Meatballs sound weird when you first hear about them, but trust me, they're dangerously good. The sweet and tangy sauce gets sticky and caramelized around the frozen meatballs, creating this addictive flavor that keeps people coming back for more.
I made them for my son's birthday party last month and parents were asking for the recipe before the cake even came out. The best part is you literally dump three ingredients in a crockpot and walk away. It's one of those crockpot meatballs appetizers that makes you look like you tried way harder than you actually did.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Grape Jelly Meatballs are the perfect answer when you need cocktail meatballs that are foolproof and feed a crowd. This meatball with grape jelly method uses just frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce or BBQ sauce, making it one of those meatballs crockpot easy recipes that anyone can master.
My sister made these bbq meatballs crockpot grape jelly style for her baby shower meatballs spread and everyone kept asking what restaurant catered. They work as party meatballs crockpot style for football games, holidays, or any time you need perfect party snacks. Plus, they're one of those tender meatballs recipes that stays warm all day in the slow cooker without drying out.
Jump to:
What You'll Need
Just three simple ingredients create these best appetizer meatballs. I always keep this stuff on hand because these grape meatballs crockpot style are my emergency entertaining solution.
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (2 pounds) frozen meatballs (any brand, pre-cooked)
- 1 jar (18 ounces) grape jelly
- 1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce or BBQ sauce
- Optional: 1 tablespoon soy sauce for extra depth
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Optional Extras
Some people make these as chili grape jelly meatballs with hot sauce added for heat. You can also use cranberry sauce instead of grape jelly for cranberry meatballs, or swap in different frozen meatballs like turkey or chicken. My mom likes to add a splash of bourbon for football meatballs crock pot style.
The full instructions are right in the recipe card.
How to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs
Add Meatballs to Crockpot
Pour the entire bag of frozen meatballs into your slow cooker. You don't need to thaw them first, which is what makes this such an easy dinner recipes lifesaver. Spread them out in an even layer if possible, though they'll shift around as they cook anyway.
Make the Grape Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the grape jelly and chili sauce (or BBQ sauce if you're making bbq meatballs crockpot style) until well combined. The mixture will look a little strange at first, but it turns into this incredible sticky glaze. Pour the grape sauce for meatballs over the frozen meatballs in the crockpot, stirring gently to coat.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The meatballs are already cooked, so you're just heating them through and letting that sauce get thick and sticky. This is the secret to perfect crock pot jelly meatballs that everyone raves about.
Can I make these on the stovetop instead?
Yes! For a quicker version of these meatballs with grape jelly and bbq sauce, combine everything in a large skillet over medium heat. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are heated through. Great for quick weeknight meals.
Keep Warm and Serve
Once done, switch the crockpot to the "warm" setting if serving at a party. These crockpot meatballs with jelly stay perfect for hours without drying out, making them ideal for easy entertaining. Garnish with green onions if you want them to look fancy, then watch them disappear.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to the best grape jelly meatballs is using good quality frozen meatballs.
The cheap ones fall apart and get mushy, while better brands hold their shape and have actual flavor.
Also, don't skip the stirring.
If you just dump everything in and forget about it, the meatballs on the bottom can stick and the sauce doesn't coat evenly.
Stir every 30 to 45 minutes and you'll get perfectly glazed sticky meatballs crockpot style every time.
My husband learned this the hard way when he made them for his office party and forgot to stir, half of them were burned on the bottom.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Swap the chili sauce for BBQ sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even marinara for different flavor profiles. You can make these as fall appetizers meatballs by using cranberry sauce instead of grape jelly. For frozen meatballs with grape jelly that are spicier, add sriracha or hot sauce to the mix. If you're making crockpot meatballs for a crowd, double or triple the recipe and use a larger slow cooker. These also work as meatball sliders if you serve them on small Hawaiian rolls with the sauce spooned over top.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Swap the chili sauce for BBQ sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even marinara for different flavor profiles in your grape jelly meatballs. You can make these as fall appetizers meatballs by using cranberry sauce instead of grape jelly. For frozen meatballs with grape jelly that are spicier, add sriracha or hot sauce to the mix.
If you're making crockpot meatballs for a crowd, double or triple the grape jelly meatballs recipe and use a larger slow cooker. These grape jelly meatballs also work as meatball sliders if you serve them on small Hawaiian rolls with the sauce spooned over top.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →What to Serve With Grape Jelly Meatballs
These work best as meatballs as appetizers alongside other party foods like pigs in a blanket, spinach artichoke dip, or cheese and crackers. If you're serving them as a main dish, pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to soak up the sauce. They're also great on toothpicks for easy grab-and-go party snacks at baby showers or football games. My family loves them with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
FAQs About Grape Jelly Meatballs
What kind of meatballs should I use?
Any pre-cooked frozen meatballs work, beef, turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian. Just make sure they're fully cooked before you start. Homemade meatballs work too, but frozen ones are the whole point of this being so easy.
Can I use different jelly flavors?
Absolutely! Try cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, or even orange marmalade for different twists on this yummy meatballs recipe. Grape jelly is classic, but feel free to experiment.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the lid and cook on high for 15 to 20 minutes to let it reduce and thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Make them a day ahead, store in the fridge, then reheat in the crockpot on low for 1 to 2 hours before your event. Perfect for party meatballs crockpot planning.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you loved these grape jelly meatballs, you'll want to try my Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Meatballs for another easy appetizer. Or check out my Buffalo Chicken Meatballs for something with a kick. For more crock pot meatballs ideas, my Swedish Meatballs in Cream Sauce is always a hit. You'll find all of these and more meatball recipes jelly style in my DINNER category.
Made it your way? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes; I'd love to see your twist on it!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe:
Leave a Reply