When you're looking for a simple yet irresistible party appetizer, grape jelly meatballs are the answer!
This sweet and savory dish is incredibly easy to make, and it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just looking for a fun dish to snack on, this recipe has you covered. With just a few basic ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create something truly delicious in no time.
Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here's what you'll need to gather to make these grape jelly meatballs:
• Grape jelly: You can either use store-bought grape jelly or make your own. Either option works great, but the store-bought kind is quicker and more convenient.
• Chili sauce: The tomato-based chili sauce brings a tangy depth of flavor. Two bottles are typically enough for the recipe.
• Cayenne pepper: This optional ingredient adds a subtle but noticeable heat. It balances the sweetness of the jelly and chili sauce.
• Frozen miniature meatballs: Frozen meatballs make this dish incredibly easy to prepare. They're perfectly sized for skewering and dipping, and they cook quickly in the slow cooker.
How to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs
Making these grape jelly meatballs is incredibly simple and takes only a few steps:
1. Prepare the sauce: Start by combining the grape jelly, chili sauce, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Cook the meatballs: While the sauce is heating up, place the frozen meatballs into the bowl of your slow cooker. Once the sauce is warm and mixed together, pour it over the meatballs.
3. Let them cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to Low heat. Let the meatballs cook for 3 to 4 hours. The meatballs will absorb the sweet and tangy sauce, becoming tender and flavorful.
Once they're done, you can serve them warm and watch them disappear!
Serving Ideas
There are so many ways to enjoy these grape jelly meatballs. You can serve them as a simple appetizer, skewered on toothpicks for easy grabbing. For a heartier option, serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. The sweet and savory sauce pairs perfectly with these comforting sides, turning your appetizer into a full meal.
Storage and Freezing Tips
If you have any leftovers, you can store them easily:
• In the fridge: Place the leftover meatballs in a shallow, airtight container. They'll keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat them in the slow cooker, microwave, or on the stove.
• In the freezer: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. First, flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They'll keep in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the meatballs overnight in the refrigerator and then warm them in the slow cooker.
Community Tips
This recipe has been a favorite for years, and many Allrecipes reviewers have shared their own tips to make it even better. One reviewer suggests browning the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker for extra flavor. Another reviewer likes to add Bite-sized wieners to the mix for variety, creating a fun assortment of bites. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or experiment with these tips, one thing is for sure—this dish will always be a hit!
