The best Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe

Sweet, sticky, and irresistibly savory, these Grape Jelly Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. With just three simple ingredients, they offer the perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone reaching for more.

Whether served at a party or as a quick snack, these meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of barbecue sauce and grape jelly creates a unique glaze that coats each meatball in pure deliciousness,

Ready in just a few hours in a crockpot or in under 15 minutes on the stovetop, these Grape Jelly Meatballs are a guaranteed hit. They’re simple to make, easy to serve, and absolutely addicting.

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Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs Ingredients

Juicy, fully-cooked meatballs provide the hearty base, absorbing the sweet, tangy glaze. The rich barbecue sauce brings a smoky depth, while the grape jelly adds a luscious sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory elements for a mouthwatering bite.

Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe Tips

1. Use Fully-Cooked Meatballs for Quick Prep: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Opt for frozen, fully-cooked meatballs to save time. Just heat them in the sauce and you’re ready to serve. If you’re using homemade meatballs, ensure they’re pre-cooked before adding them to the sauce to avoid overcooking.
2. Control the Sweetness Level: The balance of sweet and savory is key to these meatballs. If you prefer a less sweet version, use less grape jelly or swap it with cranberry jelly or orange marmalade. Similarly, feel free to experiment with the barbecue sauce—something tangier or spicier can bring a nice contrast to the sweetness.
3. Slow Cooking for the Best Flavor: For optimal flavor infusion, the crockpot method is ideal. Slow cooking allows the sauce to fully penetrate the meatballs, making them incredibly tender. If you’re in a hurry, stovetop cooking is quicker but may result in a slightly less integrated flavor.

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What to Serve with Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs

1. Crispy Veggie Platter: Pair these Grape Jelly Meatballs with a fresh, crispy veggie platter. Sliced cucumbers, baby carrots, and bell peppers provide a refreshing crunch that balances the rich, sticky meatballs. Add a creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese to enhance the flavor experience.
2. Fluffy Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Serve these meatballs over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The soft and mild sides help mellow the strong flavors of the meatballs, while absorbing the sweet and tangy sauce for a satisfying bite.
3. Soft Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls or sliders are a perfect side to soak up the luscious barbecue and jelly sauce. Serve them alongside the meatballs as a fun, easy-to-eat snack or appetizer, ideal for dipping into the leftover sauce.

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FAQ

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day ahead. Just store them in the sauce and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat them in the crockpot or on the stovetop until hot.
2. Can I use homemade meatballs?
   Absolutely! If you prefer homemade meatballs, just make sure they are cooked before adding them to the sauce. You can even tailor the seasoning of the meatballs to your liking.
3. What can I substitute for grape jelly?
   While grape jelly is traditional, you can substitute it with cranberry jelly, orange marmalade, or even a sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile. Each will provide a unique twist on this classic dish.
4. Can I make these meatballs in the oven?
   Though the crockpot and stovetop methods are ideal for this recipe, you can bake the meatballs in the oven. Simply mix the sauce with the meatballs and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, until they’re heated through.

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Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs

A delightful blend of sweetness and savor, these Grape Jelly Meatballs are irresistibly sticky and simple to prepare. With only three ingredients, they make for the perfect appetizer, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

  

• 32 ounces frozen fully-cooked meatballs (or **cooked homemade meatballs)
• 12 ounces barbecue sauce Sweet Baby Ray’s Original is recommended
• 10 ounces grape jelly or cranberry jelly

Instructions

 

• Crockpot Method:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce and jelly until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
• Transfer the sauce blend to the crockpot and stir in the meatballs to ensure they are fully coated.
• Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2 – 3 hours, or on LOW for 4 – 6 hours, until the meatballs are thoroughly heated and the sauce is bubbling.
• Serve the meatballs directly from the crockpot, using a serving spoon or toothpicks, or transfer them to a serving dish for a more formal presentation.
• Stovetop Method:
• In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, combine the barbecue sauce and jelly. Stir the mixture until it is well-blended.
• Add the meatballs to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them with the sauce. Cover the pan and allow it to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

HOMEMADE MEATBALLS: If opting for homemade meatballs, ensure they are cooked prior to adding them to the sauce. This particular homemade meatball recipe is ideal for pairing with Grape Jelly Meatballs.

BBQ SAUCE ALTERNATIVES: For a variation, Thai sweet chili sauce can replace the traditional barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.

JELLY ALTERNATIVES: While grape jelly is the classic choice, cranberry jelly can be substituted for a tangy twist. Alternatively, orange marmalade also works wonderfully in this recipe.

Keyword Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs