Candy and tangy grape jelly meatballs are a traditional occasion appetizer and so EASY to make! Put together these sticky cocktail meatballs within the crock pot with simply 3 substances.
These gradual cooker grape jelly meatballs are good for the vacations and past. Serve them with easier appetizers like smoked salmon dip, baked brie, and roasted chestnuts!
There’s one thing about cocktail meatballs that all the time jogs my memory of the vacations. Most likely as a result of that’s when I’ve my crock pot out 24/7, and juicy, sticky-sweet grape jelly meatballs are a staple in any respect of our Thanksgiving and Christmas events. This recipe wants simply 3 substances, so it’s a cinch to make. I can virtually scent these meatballs with grape jelly simmering within the gradual cooker already!
What Makes Grape Jelly Meatballs So Good?
- 3 substances. I exploit frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and ketchup, and it makes the BEST sticky, flavorful, and addictive meatball appetizer ever. It’s additionally simple to mess around with ingredient swaps and seasonings if you must.
- Occasion-ready. I make this recipe within the crock pot. Not solely do crock pot grape jelly meatballs go away my palms free throughout events and holidays, however it additionally implies that I could make an enormous batch. They’re the last word crowd-pleaser and it’s tremendous simple.
- Moist and filled with taste. Typically the very best flavors come from easy substances (see level #1). These juicy grape jelly meatballs are the right stability of candy and tangy. Cooking them low and gradual offers the meatballs loads of time to absorb all that taste.
Substances You’ll Want
You want solely three substances to make this simple grape jelly meatballs recipe in your crock pot, plus some further seasoning. I like to make use of garlic powder. When you don’t have it, be at liberty to go away it out or use an equal quantity of onion powder instead.
Try some extra ingredient notes right here, and scroll all the way down to the recipe card for a printable checklist with the total recipe particulars.
- Ketchup – Ketchup has a tangy savoriness that balances out the sweetness of the jelly. You would additionally use barbecue sauce. Another choice is tomato paste. On this case, I like to recommend including a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang (to style).
- Grape Jelly – The traditional alternative for grape jelly meatballs, clearly. That being stated, there are substitutes (see under).
- Meatballs – This gradual cooker recipe works greatest with frozen meatballs. These will be store-bought pork, hen, or beef, it’s as much as you! I’ve additionally made this recipe with batches of do-it-yourself pork meatballs and turkey meatballs I stashed within the freezer.
What Can I Substitute for Grape Jelly?
If wanted, you’ll be able to exchange the grape jelly on this recipe with one other kind of jelly or preserves. Good substitutes are raspberry jelly, cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, marmalade, and sizzling pepper jelly.
Make Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs
The fantastic thing about this simple appetizer recipe is that you simply mainly dump every part within the crock pot or gradual cooker and hit “go”! Right here’s what you’ll be able to count on.
- Load the crock pot. First, whisk the jelly with ketchup and garlic powder. Add the sauce and meatballs to the gradual cooker and stir to coat.
- Cook dinner! Set the meatballs to prepare dinner on Excessive for 4 hours. When you can, stir them each hour or so all through the cooking time.
- Serve. Scoop the meatballs onto a platter subsequent to toothpicks or skewers for serving. Typically, I’ll swap the crock pot to Heat and serve them proper from the pot!
Recipe Ideas
- Make the meatballs forward of time. If I do know I’ll be making these for a vacation occasion, moderately than shopping for store-bought meatballs, I’ll make just a few batches of oven-baked meatballs or air fryer meatballs and retailer them within the freezer. This manner they’re able to go, and made with love!
- Give it some kick. Change the ketchup with candy chili sauce to deliver a touch of warmth to those jelly meatballs. You would additionally go half and half. However, if you happen to don’t need spicy meatballs, make sure that to purchase gentle chili sauce.
- Vegetarian. Purchase frozen meatless meatballs, or use this simple vegetarian meatballs recipe and freeze them beforehand.
- Completely different sauce. If grape jelly isn’t your factor, you’ll be able to adapt this recipe with one other sauce. Attempt cooking the meatballs in do-it-yourself barbecue sauce or make teriyaki meatballs as an alternative.
What to Serve With Cocktail Meatballs
Grape jelly meatballs are nearly as synonymous with the vacations as a roast turkey and cranberry sauce round right here! Their taste and measurement make them completely snackable. I often sprinkle the meatballs with chopped parsley and serve them as a celebration app with cocktail skewers. They go nice with a welcome drink, like eggnog or a sizzling spiked apple cider.
Pair these meatballs with extra festive finger meals like bacon and chives cheese balls, this flaky pastry wreath, and do-it-yourself pierogi.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Meatballs
- Refrigerate. We not often have leftovers, however once we do, I’ll refrigerate the meatballs and any leftover sauce in an hermetic container. They’ll final for 3-4 days within the fridge.
- Reheat. I like to recommend reheating grape jelly meatballs on a lined baking sheet within the oven, or you should use the range or microwave.
- Freeze. Grape jelly meatballs will be sealed in a container or freezer bag and frozen for as much as 3 months. Thaw them within the fridge earlier than reheating.
Extra Straightforward Appetizer Recipes
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Load the crock pot. Whisk collectively the ketchup, jelly, and garlic powder. Add the meatballs to the crockpot and pour the jelly combination over them. Stir to coat the meatballs completely.
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Cook dinner. Cowl the crockpot and prepare dinner on excessive for 4 hours, stirring each hour or so if you happen to can.
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Serve. Serve the cocktail meatballs heat skewered with toothpicks as a enjoyable occasion appetizer.
Energy: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 9g | Fats: 11g | Saturated Fats: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g | Monounsaturated Fats: 5g | Ldl cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 35mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
Dietary information is an estimate and offered as courtesy. Values could fluctuate in accordance with the substances and instruments used. Please use your most well-liked dietary calculator for extra detailed information.