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With only 3 ingredients, these sweet and tangy grape jelly meatballs make a quick and easy party appetizer. All you need is your slow cooker!
Meatballs + Grape Jelly + Chili Sauce = Best Appetizer Ever
I know what you’re thinking, meatballs in grape jelly and chili sauce? No way!
Well, I’d like you to reconsider these grape jelly meatballs because they are one of the number one party appetizers out there. These sweet and tangy grape jelly meatballs are like crack. They fly out of the slow cooker. Everyone’s plate is always full of these and I don’t blame them. They’re sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy — basically downright addicting. I could’ve sworn, at the rate the meatballs were being consumed at my last party, there could’ve been a rock-paper-scissor championship for the last couple grape jelly meatballs.
One of the BEST parts of this appetizer is: it’s THREE ingredients, you don’t do anything except throw everything in the slow cooker, stir every few hours, and serve. So easy. Who needs a complicated dish when they’re hosting? I guarantee you that if you make these for your next party, everyone will go crazy over them. No exaggeration. These are 100% guaranteed to be a hit.
Other Cooking Methods
- Grape jelly meatballs on the stove: add all the ingredients into a large dutch oven or pot and stir to combine. Cover and allow to cook on medium-low heat for 30-45 minutes, or until the meatballs are no longer frozen in the center and warmed through. Stir often to prevent burning. Adjust timing based on the size of your meatballs.
- Grape jelly meatballs in the oven: add all the ingredients into a large dutch oven or oven-safe pot and stir to combine. Place covered pot in a 325 degree oven for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are no longer frozen in the center and warmed through. Adjust timing based on the size of your meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
When we were growing up, for a quick dinner option, my mom would make these meatballs and we’d eat them over white rice.
As an appetizer, serve these with toothpicks, cocktail napkins, and plates.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Allow leftover meatballs to cool before putting them into an airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, portion out how much you would like and reheat in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Sweet and Tangy Grape Jelly Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounce (453 g) jar of grape jelly
- 12 ounce (340 g) jar of chili sauce, (I used a Wegman's brand but Heinz sells them too; it's usually located near the ketchup and hot sauce)
- 64 ounces (1814 g) frozen meatballs
Instructions
- In a bowl or small sauce pot, mix together grape jelly and chili sauce as best you can. It's okay if it's a little lumpy from the grape jelly. It'll all melt together in the slow cooker once it's warmed up.16 ounce (453 g) jar of grape jelly, 12 ounce (340 g) jar of chili sauce
- Add the entire bag of meatballs in the slow cooker insert and pour the jelly and chili sauce on top.64 ounces (1814 g) frozen meatballs
- Stir the meatballs around until they're all coated.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Stir every couple hours or so to re-coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Serve hot with toothpicks!
Notes
Nutrition
Photographs by Jess Gaertner Creative
Hi Julie, I just found your blog in my intent to keep inspired in my kitchen and it looks amazing. I am a foodie too. However, I have to admit that I enjoy cooking more than I do eating. I enjoy spending time with my family and I found out that my passion for cooking drives us to spend quality family time together. On the other hand, I have a question, for how long I have to cook the meatballs, if I cook them in a regular pot? Thanks!
I would say you’d cook them for 2 hours. Cover and let it gently simmer.
Thanks Julie. This recipe looks amazing. It is a must try, in the very near future (:
Is the grape jelly the same as concord grape jelly
Yup! :)
Does it matter if the meatballs are preseasoned “Italian” flavored? I am using meatballs I found in the freezer section
Nope – it doesn’t. Mine were the same :)
“Bee-tee-dubs” LMAO! We would be best friends in real life.
I recommend using Sweet Baby Ray’s bbq sauce. Soooo good!
I went back and looked at your old post. Considering it was only a year ago, the improvement in your photography is quite impressive. Your current work is gorgeous!
Wow, thank you! That means a lot :)
Fantastic party food and I love your presentation! Definitely have to give these a try!
I’m throwing a surprise party for my husband on Sunday and am still planning the food. I knew I wanted to make meatballs, but still needed a recipe. So when I saw this recipe, I was super excited! But then I saw the ingredient list. I have never seen grape jelly here. :( I’ll have to go to a larger store and see if they have it!
I love how simple these are! I need to make them next time we have a get together! :) I love the pictures. So beautiful!