Sometimes you just need a hearty appetizer that guys, kids, and ladies alike will all devour.
These grape jelly meatballs are that dish!
They’re the ultimate football appetizer, the perfect holiday party finger food, and they double as a main dish when served with rice or pasta.
The best part?
Just three ingredients when you go the easy route, or you can make homemade meatballs with ground beef, ground pork, or even turkey meatballs for more flavor!
Why You’ll Love These Cocktail Meatballs
- ✅ Just 3 ingredients if you start with frozen fully cooked meatbals
- ✅ Sweet + savory flavor from grape jelly and BBQ sauce, chili sauce, or ketchup
- ✅ Easy slow cooker method keeps them warm for hours on a party platter
- ✅ Works with homemade meatballs baked in the oven for more flavor and control
Ingredients
For the quick version, you’ll need:
- 32 oz package frozen fully cooked meatballs (homestyle preferred)
- 1 jar (about 32 oz) grape jelly
- 20 oz bottle BBQ sauce, or substitute with (2) 12 oz bottles chili sauce or 1 ½ cups ketchup
If making homemade meatballs (flavor-packed and tender!):
- 1 pound ground beef or mix with ground pork or turkey
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese
Mix ingredients in a large bowl, form into meatballs, and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F until browned and cooked through (about 18–20 minutes).
How to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs
Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Add frozen or homemade meatballs to the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together grape jelly and BBQ sauce (or chili/ketchup version).
- Pour sauce over meatballs and stir to coat.
- Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place cooked or frozen meatballs in a baking dish.
- Pour jelly-sauce mixture over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake 30–35 minutes until heated through.
Stovetop Method
- Add meatballs and sauce to a saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat until sauce thickens and meatballs are tender.
Flavor Variations
I absolutely LOVE recipes like this because yu can add ingredients depending on the mood you’re in, or even the guests you’re feeding. These are some of my favorite add-ins:
- Add a spoonful of brown sugar for a sweeter glaze.
- Stir in hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap grape jelly with apricot jam, cranberry sauce, or even peach preserves.
- Top with shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese for a cheesy Italian twist.
- Try chicken meatballs or bacon-wrapped meatballs for something new.
Serving Suggestions
Serve on a party platter with toothpicks for easy cocktail meatballs. These work beautifully for a holiday party, game day tailgate, or even weddings. They’re also versatile enough to be served as a main dish over rice or pasta for a weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or gently on the stove until warm, adding a splash of water if needed for moisture.
Nutrition Information
Each serving (about 4 meatballs) contains approximately:
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Calcium: 4%
- Potassium: 6%
- Vitamin C: 2%
This nutrition information will vary depending on the brand of meatballs, jelly, and sauce used.
Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients
- 32 oz. package Fully Cooked & Frozen Meatballs
- 32 oz. jar Grape jelly
- 20 oz. BBQ sauce or (2) 12 oz. Chili Sauce
Instructions
- Combine jelly and BBQ sauce
- Give that a good stir
- Pour over meatballs and stir well
- Cook in the crock pot on low for four hours or high for 2 hours until heated through
- Stir occasionally
- * Note that in the video I have pictured Italian Meatballs. Look for homestyle meatballs at the store if you can find them. Homestyle variety is preferred 🙂