Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs are a tried-and-true favorite appetizer. This fuss-free recipe is perfect for game day, holidays, or anytime you need an appetizer everyone will love. Only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep!
The combination of grape jelly and chili sauce may sound unusual, but once it simmers, the sauce turns glossy and flavorful. Each meatball is coated in a sweet-and-savory glaze that is simply irresistible.
If you love bite-sized appetizers, you’ll need to try my little smokies in a blanket, sausage bites, bacon cheeseball recipe, and sausage balls with cream cheese. All of these are easy to make and crowd favorites.
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💗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy: This recipe comes together quickly and requires only three ingredients.
- Hands Off: This is the perfect dump-and-go slow cooker recipe. Just place everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Crowd Pleasing: Everyone loves the sweet and tangy flavors of this dish.
- Perfect for Parties: Great for the holidays, parties, or tailgating. An excellent finger food and family-friendly meatball appetizer recipe.
🛒 Ingredients Needed for Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Meatballs: Use fully cooked meatballs. Choose your favorite brand or use a homemade meatball recipe.
- Chili Sauce: Adds a tangy balance to the sweetness.
- Grape Jelly: Sweetens the dish and adds a glossy coating. Use any brand of grape jelly.
📖 Recipe Variations
- BBQ Meatballs: Swap the chili sauce for your favorite brand of BBQ sauce.
- Spicy Meatballs: Add some red pepper flakes, hot chili sauce, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cocktail Sausages: Swap the meatballs for little smokies for another fun appetizer. Use the same grape jelly chili sauce recipe.
🔪 How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Add Meatballs. Place frozen and fully cooked meatballs into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Sauce Ingredients. Pour in the chili sauce and grape jelly. Stir well.
Step 3: Cook. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
Step 4: Serve. Keep warm in the crockpot and serve.
💭 Pro Tips
- Use Quality Meatballs: Choose good-quality meatballs for the best taste.
- No Need to Thaw: Add frozen meatballs to the crockpot—no thawing required.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the jelly in this recipe. Add more for a sweeter glaze.
🧺 How to Store
- Fridge: Store all leftover meatballs with grape jelly in an airtight dish in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheat: Place them back in the crockpot and reheat for 2-3 hours or heat in a skillet on the stovetop.
❔ Recipe FAQs
Once the meatballs are hot, switch the crockpot to warm. They will be fine for the next 2-3 hours.
Absolutely. This recipe doubles beautifully and makes a great holiday appetizer that everyone will love.
Serve this bite-sized appetizer straight from the crockpot with toothpicks.
Add to a sandwich roll or slider buns.
Turn these delicious meatballs into a meal by serving them over rice or mashed potatoes.
More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
If you tried this Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
👩🏻🍳 Recipe
Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients
- 32 ounces Frozen Meatballs fully cooked, 48-56 count
- 12 oz. bottle Chili Sauce
- ¾ cup Grape Jelly
Instructions
- Add Meatballs. Place frozen and fully cooked meatballs into your slow cooker.
- Add Sauce Ingredients. Pour in the chili sauce and grape jelly. Stir well.
- Cook. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve. Keep warm in the crockpot and serve.
Notes
- Use Quality Meatballs: Choose good-quality meatballs for the best taste.
- No Need to Thaw: Add frozen meatballs to the crockpot—no thawing required.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the grape jelly in this recipe. Add more for a sweeter glaze.
Love how easy this recipe is to put together. Throw the three ingredients into the crockpot and turn it on! Simple!