Grape Jelly Meatballs
Grape Jelly Meatballs are an easy, no-fuss appetizer recipe with only 3 ingredients. Made in the crockpot, meatballs are covered in a delicious sweet and savory sauce. This classic game day snack is always a hit.
This grape jelly meatball recipe is a hit at holiday parties and game day gatherings. Made in the crock pot with a mixture of sweet grape jelly and tangy bbq sauce, they are a great family slow cooker recipe.
I use frozen meatballs to save on time, but homemade meatballs would also be tasty. Serve them on their own with toothpicks for easy nibbling or make a meatball sandwich for a kid friendly dinner. Either way, your taste buds are going to love these simple slow cooker meatballs.
This recipe leans more on the grape jelly side. I find if you use equal parts of BBQ sauce that it overpowers the flavor. I wanted the grape jelly sweetness to really shine and it does!
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Easy recipe with less than 5 minutes of prep time
- Perfect cocktail meatballs to serve to your guests
- A classic party appetizer that has been around for many years
- Can be made with frozen meatballs to save time
- Simple dump and cook recipe
- Only 3 ingredients
- Perfect appetizer for New Year’s Eve, Christmas, game day or any other fun occasion
Ingredients
- Frozen cooked meatballs – The box I used had 48 meatballs. You don’t need to thaw them. Put them into the crockpot frozen.
- Grape jelly
- BBQ sauce – Use your favorite brand’s bbq sauce or your own homemade bbq sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Step One: Add grape jelly and BBQ sauce to a 6 quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step Two: Add frozen, cooked meatballs to the crockpot and stir in the sauce to cover.
- Step Three: Cook on LOW heat for 4 hours.
- Step Four: Garnish with green onions, if desired.
Equipment Needed
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What to Serve with BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Chicken Wings – Try my Oven Baked Chicken Wings and Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings.
- Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
- Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Crab Dip
Variations and Substitutions
- Experiment with different flavors of barbecue sauce to change up the sauce.
- Substitute ketchup or Heinz Chili Sauce in place of the bbq sauce.
- Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture to add a delicious savory taste.
- Make it a little spicy with the addition of sriracha sauce, hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Substitute any sweet jelly or jam/sauce for the grape jelly. Try apple jelly, cranberry sauce or even apricot preserves.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze them! Place them in freezer bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Serve Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Piled in a bowl or on a platter with toothpicks
- On a submarine bun to make a meatball sub
- Served over white rice
- Served on top of mashed potatoes
What Kind of Meatballs Should I Use?
The answer is pretty simple. Use whatever type of meatballs you want! I use frozen cooked meatballs found in the freezer aisle at the grocery store.
Some meatball suggestions include:
- Turkey meatballs
- Chicken meatballs
- Angus beef meatballs
- Italian style meatballs
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs?
Yes, you can use fresh meatballs! Cook the meatballs first and then use them in this recipe.
Does the Grape Jelly Make the Meatballs Really Sweet?
No, the meatballs won’t be overly sweet. The bbq sauce balances out the sweetness. You will be able to taste the grape jelly so it’s a little sweet, but I don’t find it overpowering. I like being able to taste the grape jelly otherwise they should be called bbq sauce meatballs.
Other Cooking Methods
- Stove Top: Add the meatballs, grape jelly and bbq sauce to a large pot over medium low heat. Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring often, until meatballs are cooked.
- Oven: Add meatballs, grape jelly and bbq sauce to a covered casserole dish. Bake at 325F for 20 to 25 minutes, until meatballs are cooked.
Meatball Recipes
- Swedish Meatballs
- Mexican Meatballs
- Waikiki Meatballs
- Ginger Meatballs
- Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Korean Meatballs
- Air Fryer Bisquick Sausage Balls
- Cheesy Meatballs
- Meatball Stuffed Mushrooms
Try Slow Cooker Little Smokies and Pigs in a Blanket.
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Grape Jelly Meatballs
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Ingredients
- 1 box frozen cooked meatballs my box had 48 meatballs
- 2 cups grape jelly
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- green onions sliced, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Add grape jelly and BBQ sauce to a 6 quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add frozen, cooked meatballs to the crockpot and stir in the sauce to cover.
- Cook on LOW heat for 4 hours.
- Garnish with green onions, if desired.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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I have made these for years and you just can not go wrong with them. easy tailgate food and filling. I prefer the chili sauce as to the BBQ sauce but the grape jelly is the key for me!!
Hi, Stacie!
This looks awesome! Can it be made in the Instant Pot?
Thanks, J JO
Hi Jane, I’m sure you can make them in the Instant Pot although I’ve never done it.