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Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe

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
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Crockpot Method:
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce and jelly until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
  3. Transfer the sauce blend to the crockpot and stir in the meatballs to ensure they are fully coated.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Stovetop Method:
  7. In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, combine the barbecue sauce and jelly. Stir the mixture until it is well-blended.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.