Slow Cooker BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs

Slow Cooker BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs are so easy to make with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes to prepare. Perfect appetizer for parties or meal for any occasion!

These BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs are my go to appetizer whenever I am in doubt of what to make for a potluck or party. I know it sounds strange with grape jelly, but trust me, they’re delicious!

It honestly couldn’t get much easier than adding then adding the meatballs, then sauce and letting the crock pot do the work. I usually make a double batch because they go fast.

For this recipe we used frozen meatballs but if you have the extra time you could always make homemade meatballs. Just make sure to fully cook them before adding them to slow cooker and reduce the cooking time.

If you’re looking for another appetizer that is sweet and tangy, try my cranberry meatballs. They’re also a hit at parties but take a little bit more time to prepare and bake in the oven. Let’s make some meatballs!

Why You’ll Love These Sweet & Savory Meatballs

• Great for a crowd. Perfect for parties and gatherings because they can be made ahead of time and reheated. The slow cooker is also great for making large batches if you’re expecting a lot of people.
• Versatile. This recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to suit whatever occasion you’re serving them for. You can easily switch up the flavors by using different types of jelly or sauces and adding different seasonings or spices.
• Easy to make. These meatballs require minimal effort and can be made quickly and easily. All you need to do is add all the ingredients in the crock pot and cook. They’re perfect for when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

What do grape jelly meatballs taste like?

They have a tangy flavor with a bit of a sweet kick. The flavor can be adjusted with more or less heat depending on the amount of spices added.

What You Need

• Meatballs – Frozen meatballs are a time saver and can be found in the freezer section of the grocery store.
• Grape jelly – I use Welch’s grape jelly but you can also use Smucker’s or your favorite brand of grape jelly.
• Barbecue sauce – Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce is our personal favorite but you could make homemade BBQ sauce or use another brand.
• Cayenne pepper – Adds a bit of a kick but not too much. Can omit if you’d like.
• Crockpot – The size of the crock pot will vary with cooking times and how many you are serving. I used a 2 quart crock pot for this recipe but if serving a crowd or don’t have one, use a bigger size.

Recipe Variations

• Use different flavored jellies.
• Swap the barbeque sauce for ketchup or Heinz chili sauce.
• Use cocktail weenies instead of meatballs for another appetizer variety.
• Add more cayenne peeper or red pepper flakes for more heat.

How to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs

1. Add meatballs to slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, combine grape jelly, bbq sauce and cayenne pepper together.
3. Pour mixture over top meatballs and stir to coat them evenly in the sauce.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thick and bubbly.
5. Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
6. Serve them on their own or with toothpicks for easy eating.

Storing Leftovers

• To Store: Place remaining leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To Freeze: Store in an airtight container with room for sauce to expand in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat: Place back in the slow cooker to reheat for 2 hours or in a pot on the stove top. If frozen, allow to thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

How to Serve Grape Jelly Meatballs

• Appetizer – Serve right out of the crock pot with a serving spoon or from a platter with toothpicks for easy picking.
• Side Dish – These meatballs would make a great side dish for a potluck and would pair nicely with the other options.
• Meal – Serve over cooked rice, mashed potatoes or pasta with a side of steamed vegetables.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs in the oven?

Yes, you can! Just bake them at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

Can I use another kind of jelly?

Grape jelly is traditional, but you can absolutely use another type of fruit jelly if you prefer such as apricot, strawberry or peach.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Just cook them according to the recipe instructions and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat them.

What kind of meatballs should I use for grape jelly meatballs?

Any meatballs will work for this recipe such as turkey, beef or Italian. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

More Party Appetizers

• Game Day Charcuterie Board
• Slow Cooker Sausage Rotel Dip
• Chicken Fajita Cups
• Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers