Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Grape Jelly Meatballs are a sweet and savory appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings and parties. Combining the rich flavors of grape jelly and barbecue sauce, these meatballs are both easy to make and deliciously crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

• 32 oz frozen fully cooked meatballs
• 1 cup grape jelly
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Add hot sauce if desired for heat.
2. Step 2: Place frozen meatballs in a slow cooker, large pot, or baking dish.
3. Step 3: Pour sauce mixture over the meatballs and stir gently to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: If using a slow cooker, cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
5. Step 5: For stovetop preparation, simmer covered on medium-low for 25–30 minutes.
6. Step 6: For oven cooking, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes.
7. Step 7: Stir once halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use different types of jelly like cranberry or raspberry for unique flavor twists.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the savory notes of the sauce.
• For extra spice, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with fresh meatballs?

Yes, but be sure to cook the fresh meatballs thoroughly before adding the sauce. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely. You can simmer the meatballs on the stovetop or bake them in the oven as described in the instructions, both methods yield great results.

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 127 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

These Grape Jelly Meatballs are a deliciously sweet and tangy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with fully cooked meatballs simmered in a flavorful sauce of grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and optional hot sauce, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be cooked using multiple methods including slow cooker, stovetop, or oven. Garnished with fresh parsley or chives, these meatballs offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 32 oz frozen fully cooked meatballs

Sauce

• 1 cup grape jelly
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare sauce mixture: In a bowl, combine grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Add hot sauce if desired for a bit of heat and mix well until smooth.
2. Arrange meatballs: Place frozen fully cooked meatballs in a slow cooker, large pot, or baking dish, spreading them evenly.
3. Add sauce to meatballs: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, gently stirring to ensure each meatball is coated evenly.
4. Slow cook option: If using a slow cooker, cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat through thoroughly.
5. Stovetop option: For stovetop cooking, simmer the covered pot on medium-low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Oven option: To bake, cover the baking dish with foil and cook in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through the cook time.
7. Stir halfway: Regardless of cooking method, stir gently once midway through cooking to prevent sticking and allow even heat distribution.
8. Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish the meatballs with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh herbal touch.

Notes

• For added heat, adjust the amount of hot sauce or omit it completely for a milder flavor.
• Use fully cooked frozen meatballs to simplify preparation and ensure even heating.
• If cooking in the oven or stovetop, cover the dish/pot to retain moisture and keep the meatballs tender.
• These meatballs can be kept warm in the slow cooker set to ‘Keep Warm’ if serving at a party.
• Garnishing is optional but adds a nice color and fresh flavor contrast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: grape jelly meatballs, party meatballs, appetizer recipe, slow cooker meatballs, sweet and tangy meatballs