Grape Jelly Meatballs
A crowd-pleasing appetizer that's incredibly easy to make. Sweet grape jelly and tangy chili sauce create an unforgettable glaze for tender meatballs. Perfect for parties, potlucks, and game days!
For 8 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Sauce
- b.In a large pot, Dutch oven, or the basin of a slow cooker, combine the grape jelly, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and garlic powder (if using).
- c.Stir the ingredients together until they are roughly combined.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Melt and Combine the Sauce
- b.For Stovetop: Place the pot over medium-low heat. Stir continuously for 5-7 minutes until the grape jelly has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and uniform.
- c.For Slow Cooker: No pre-heating needed. Simply proceed to the next step.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add Meatballs and Cook
- b.Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce. Stir gently until all meatballs are evenly coated.
- c.For Stovetop: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until the meatballs are heated through.
- d.For Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Once the meatballs are hot and the sauce has thickened slightly, they are ready.
- c.Transfer to a serving dish or keep warm in the slow cooker on the 'Warm' setting.
- d.Serve hot with toothpicks as an appetizer, or over rice or mashed potatoes for a main course. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a hands-off approach, the slow cooker method is ideal for parties, as it keeps the meatballs warm for hours.
- 2To prevent the sugary sauce from burning, stir the meatballs every 5-10 minutes if cooking on the stovetop.
- 3If using homemade meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked (baked or pan-fried) before adding them to the sauce.
- 4To adjust the flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha for heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice to cut the sweetness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Jelly Swap
Replace grape jelly with apricot preserves, cranberry sauce, or orange marmalade for a different tangy and sweet flavor profile.
Sauce SwapSauce Swap
Substitute the chili sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smokier, more robust flavor. A 1:1 ratio usually works well.
Protein ChangeProtein Change
This recipe works wonderfully with other proteins. Try using cocktail wieners (little smokies) or even chunks of cooked chicken or kielbasa.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
The meatballs provide a significant amount of protein, which is a crucial macronutrient for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and ensuring proper immune function.
Quick Energy Boost
The carbohydrates from the grape jelly and chili sauce are quickly converted into glucose, providing a rapid source of energy, which can be useful before physical activity.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food
Sharing a beloved and nostalgic dish like this can boost mood and create positive social connections at gatherings, which is beneficial for mental and emotional well-being.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of grape jelly meatballs (about 8-10 meatballs) can range from 400 to 600 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, particularly the fat content of the meatballs and the sugar in the jelly.