These Grape Jelly Meatballs are a popular appetizer made with just three ingredients and plenty of flavor. Tender meatballs simmer in the slow cooker in a sweet and tangy sauce made from grape jelly and barbecue sauce, perfect for holidays, potlucks or game day.
I would enjoy this recipe every holiday in my young motherhood years and once I made my simple air fryer meatball recipes, I realized how easily a basic meatball can transform into something bold and fun!
Why You'll Love Grape Jelly Meatballs
Set it and forget it: uses a slow cooker to keep the meatballs warm and party ready.
Classic party favorite: sweet and savory, and always the first dish to disappear.
Versatile sauce: the grape jelly barbecue sauce is also great for wings!
Key Ingredients
Fully cooked meatballs: you can use frozen store-bought meatballs or homemade ones. I usually make a batch of oven baked meatballs ahead of time and freeze them.
Grape jelly or jam: I like to use my homemade muscadine jam when I have it on hand, but Smucker's grape jelly is my go to when I don't.
Barbecue sauce: Sweet Baby Ray's is my favorite for this recipe because it adds that hint of tang and heat that balances the sweetness of the jelly.
Ingredient Substitutions
Grape jelly: try cranberry chipotle sauce or apple jelly for a twist.
Barbecue sauce: use chili sauce for a different sweet and spicy flavor.
Frozen meatballs: substitute with xxx meatballs.
Recipe Variations
- Add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Mix half barbecue sauce and half chili sauce.
- Serve the meatballs on slider buns for a fun mini meatball sandwich.
Top Tips
- To cook on the stovetop: add all ingredients to a pot and simmer over medium heat until heated through.
- If the sauce is too thick to mix, warm it in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring between.
- Keep the meatballs arm in the slow cooker set on low for up to 2 hours after cooking.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Serve With...
Serve these meatballs as part of an appetizer buffet alongside the following:
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
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📖 Recipe
Grape Jelly Meatballs
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Ingredients
- 32 ounces fully cooked, frozen meatballs
- 1 cup grape jam
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
- Place the frozen cooked meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the grape jelly mixture over top of the meatballs. Stir to coat.
- Cook in the slow cooker on high setting for 4 hours until meatballs are hot.
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