Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (2024)

HomeRecipe ListAppetizersGrape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

Posted by Aimee 29 comments
Published: Sep 18, 2019 Last Updated: Oct 31, 2023

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These co*cktail Meatballs (or Grape Jelly Meatballs) are exactly what your party needs, and they’re super easy to make! Homemade Meatballs with an easy, two ingredient sauce.

Love easy snacks? This 7 Layer Dip is a hit at every family gathering and game day party! Or whip up some Hanky Panky’s. My family is obsessed with these crispy bites of sausage and cheese!

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (1)

Table of Contents

  • Why this Recipe Works
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Easy Instructions
  • Variations
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Can Grape Jelly Meatballs be a meal?
  • Tips and Tricks
  • More Meatball Recipes
  • More Appetizer Recipes
  • Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

Why this Recipe Works

Whether you are headed to a party, or just craving an easy snack, these co*cktail Meatballs are the perfect answer.

Tender, juicy meatballs in an easy sweet and sour sauce!

You’ll love the versatility of this meatball recipe. Whether you whip up a batch of homemade meatballs with the recipe below, or use turkey meatballs, or buy a bag of frozen meatballs, this recipe couldn’t get any easier!

Ingredient Notes

  • Meatballs. I usually make a double batch and freeze half for future use. You can also use store bought frozen meatballs for a quick time saver.
  • Grape Jelly
  • Chili Sauce – found in the ketchup aisle

That’s it. Whether you call these co*cktail meatballs or grape jelly meatballs, one thing is for certain, they won’t last long!

Easy Instructions

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (2)

STEP 1: Start by making the meatballs. In a bowl, combine ground beef with egg, bread crumbs, garlic, salt, pepper and milk. Use your hands to mix thoroughly.

STEP 2: Shape beef mixture into small bite size balls. I use a 1 Tbsp scoop for this, as we prefer our appetizer meatballs to be smaller. You can totally make them bigger if you prefer. Arrange meatballs in a hot skillet over medium high heat, turning often until completely cooked.

PRO TIP: You can freeze cooled, cooked meatballs in a freezer safe airtight container for up to 3 months. So go ahead and double that recipe!

STEP 3: In the bottom of a crockpot or slow cooker, add equal parts of grape jelly and chili sauce. I use about 1 cup of each, but if you like them a little juicier or serving over rice, feel free to double that amount.

Whisk the jelly and chili sauce until combined. Add cooked meatballs (or frozen meatballs) to the crockpot. Turn on low for about 3 hours. Serve warm and enjoy!

  • Storage: You can also prepare the grape jelly and chili sauce with the meatballs and refrigerate together for up to 24 hours. Then heat and serve.
  • Freezing the meatballs with the jelly and chili sauce is also an option. Whether you prepare it in advance or want to freeze leftovers, store in airtight container for up to one month.
Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (3)

Variations

Our family loves the standard grape jelly with chili sauce for these meatballs. But if you’re looking for a little variety, or your pantry is lacking in an ingredient, there are some tried and true substitutions you may like:

  • Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Pineapple preserves with BBQ Sauce
  • Ketchup and Grape Jelly
  • Cranberry Sauce (either the whole berry or jellied) with BBQ Sauce

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs in grape jelly meatballs?

Yes! Fresh or frozen meatballs can be used in this co*cktail meatball recipe. No need to thaw.

Can I make co*cktail Meatballs ahead of time?

You can make and freee your meatballs without sauce for up to three months. Or refrigerate for 2 days in advance.

Can I make grape jelly meatballs in oven?

In a large baking dish, combine the cooked meatballs with jelly and chili sauce. Cover with foil and bake in a 350 degree F oven for about 40 minutes, or until bubbly hot. Stir and serve.

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (4)

Can Grape Jelly Meatballs be a meal?

Of course! Serve your grape jelly meatballs with a side of rice or a big green salad on the side.

Pair your crockpot meatballs with some baked mashed potatoes or hashbrown casserole for a filling dish!

Tips and Tricks

  • Mix the chili sauce and grape jelly together in the bottom of the slow cooker BEFORE adding the meatballs. This helps create an even distribution of sauce.
  • Double the sauce recipe if you’re looking to have a little extra on each meatball.
  • This is also a GREAT sauce (the grape jelly with chili sauce) to cook with co*cktail weenies (little smokies)!
  • Serve your grape jelly meatballs right out of the slow cooker or plate them with party toothpicks!
Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (5)

More Meatball Recipes

  • Greek Zucchini Meatballs
  • Zucchini Meatballs
  • Meatball Sub Recipe
  • Swedish Meatballs

More Appetizer Recipes

  • Hummus Recipe
  • Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Bang Bang Chicken
  • Artichoke Dip

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (6)

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Grape Jelly Meatballs

4.78 from 18 votes

By: Aimee

These co*cktail Meatballs (or Grape Jelly Meatballs) are exactly what your party needs, and they're super easy to make! Homemade Meatballs with an easy, two ingredient sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 30 meatballs

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon milk
  • 1 cup grape jelly
  • 1 cup chili sauce

Instructions

  • Mix beef, egg, bread crumbs, garlic, salt, pepper and milk in large bowl. Shape into small bite size balls. Cook in hot skillet, turning, until completely cooked.

  • At this point you can let them cool, and freeze them. Or you can toss them right into a crock pot with the jelly and chili sauce. Turn on low, heat for about 3 hours, serve, enjoy!

Notes

  • Frozen meatballs can be used in place of homemade meatballs.
  • Storage: You can also prepare the grape jelly and chili sauce with the meatballs and refrigerate together for up to 24 hours. Then heat and serve.
  • Freezing the meatballs with the jelly and chili sauce is also an option. Whether you prepare it in advance or want to freeze leftovers, store in airtight container for up to one month.

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 223mg, Sugar: 5g

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

Grape Jelly Meatballs are the easiest game day appetizer, served in the crockpot with a delicious sweet and sour sauce!

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why do people put grape jelly in meatballs? ›

To make these sweet and tangy meatballs, you'll need: Grape jelly: For a sweetness that balances the chili sauce, and to provide a glossy finish to the sauce. Chili sauce: Tomato paste, spices, and garlic give this sauce its depth. Barbecue sauce: Thickens the sauce while complementing the jelly and chili sauce.

Why are my grape jelly meatballs runny? ›

To thicken runny grape jelly meatball sauce, mix up a teaspoon of cornstarch (or even two depending on how thick you want things) with an equal amount of water. Stir this into the bubbling meatball mixture during the last hour they're in the slow cooker.

What do you do with grape jelly? ›

DEAR JENELLE: You can add grape jelly to smoothies, yogurt, pancakes, French toast, waffles, cottage cheese, oatmeal, ice cream or muffins. Or add it to cream cheese to top a bagel, cornbread, biscuit or toast.

What can I substitute for grape jelly meatballs? ›

Replace the Grape Jelly with apricot preserves, orange marmalade, canned cranberry sauce, raspberry preserves, or hot pepper jelly. Replace the Ketchup with Heinz chili sauce or barbecue sauce. If swapping the ketchup for chili sauce, it is not a spicy sauce.

Why is it called baby shower meatballs? ›

Why do people call them baby shower meatballs ?- Traditionally they are a staple dish served at baby showers.

Is grape jam and grape jelly the same thing? ›

Jams and jellies are both soft, sweet spreads made from fruit, sugar and pectin. The main difference between jam and jelly is that jam is made with fruit whereas jelly is made with fruit juice.

How to make a jelly sauce for meatballs? ›

Combine grape jelly, chili sauce, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until warm, 5 to 10 minutes. Place meatballs in a slow cooker and top with grape jelly mixture. Cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours.

How do I get my grape jelly to set? ›

The first option is to unseal your jars and re-cook the jelly. Add more sugar, add some pectin, and you'll get your gel. Resterilize your jars, top with new lids, and process again.

How do you know when grape jelly is done? ›

Bring the mixture back up to a boil and boil on high heat for 10 minutes or until the gel point has been reached. To determine if your jelly has reached the gel point you can use a candy thermometer clipped to the side of your pan. When the thermometer reaches 220°F, your jelly should be ready to can.

Is eating grape jelly good for you? ›

Yes, grape jelly can be healthy because of its pectin and antioxidants, which promote better digestion. Even versions containing less sugar, like our sugar free grape jelly, still make it the ultimate energy booster.

What eats grape jelly at night? ›

(From left) Gray Catbirds, American Robins, House Finches, and Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are some examples of birds that enjoy grape jelly besides orioles.

Should I refrigerate grape jelly after opening? ›

Note: For safe eating practices, store your opened jar of jam or jelly in the refrigerator until consumed, and examine it frequently for signs of spoilage (like mold or yeast growth, or off-odors, including “fermented,” “alcohol” or “yeasty” odors). Discard the product immediately if any signs of spoilage are detected.

What do you put in meatballs so they don't fall apart? ›

Eggs: Whole eggs lend moisture and help bind the meatballs together so they don't fall apart.

How do you thicken homemade meatballs? ›

Add a lightly beaten egg, but not too much. Egg acts as a binder for the ingredients, but you only need a small amount. One small egg will do for one pound of minced meat. Alternatively, if you're following an egg-free diet, you could soak fresh bread in milk, squeezing out any excess milk, to use as a binder.

How many meatballs for 30 guests? ›

If you are making 1-ounce meatballs for a main course you should make 6 meatballs per person. If you have some big eaters at the party I suggest making 6-10 bite sized meatballs per person.

What does grape jelly do for meatballs on Reddit? ›

The jelly is for the texture of the sauce, it only contributes marginally to the flavor. The spritz of maple syrup was a tip from a friend when I made this sauce for plant based meatballs not too long ago.

What is the jam they put on Ikea meatballs? ›

Product details. Swedes love to eat lingonberry jam with meatballs, mashed potatoes and cream sauce. But, the light sweetness is also great with other classic dishes like potato fritters, dumplings and pork pancakes.

What does grape jelly do for you? ›

Yes, grape jelly can be healthy because of its pectin and antioxidants, which promote better digestion. Even versions containing less sugar, like our sugar free grape jelly, still make it the ultimate energy booster.

What makes meatballs stick together better? ›

Add a lightly beaten egg, but not too much. Egg acts as a binder for the ingredients, but you only need a small amount. One small egg will do for one pound of minced meat. Alternatively, if you're following an egg-free diet, you could soak fresh bread in milk, squeezing out any excess milk, to use as a binder.

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