Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (2024)

HomeRecipe ListAppetizersGrape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

Posted by Aimee 29 comments
Published: Sep 18, 2019 Last Updated: Oct 31, 2023

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These co*cktail Meatballs (or Grape Jelly Meatballs) are exactly what your party needs, and they’re super easy to make! Homemade Meatballs with an easy, two ingredient sauce.

Love easy snacks? This 7 Layer Dip is a hit at every family gathering and game day party! Or whip up some Hanky Panky’s. My family is obsessed with these crispy bites of sausage and cheese!

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (1)

Table of Contents

  • Why this Recipe Works
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Easy Instructions
  • Variations
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Can Grape Jelly Meatballs be a meal?
  • Tips and Tricks
  • More Meatball Recipes
  • More Appetizer Recipes
  • Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

Why this Recipe Works

Whether you are headed to a party, or just craving an easy snack, these co*cktail Meatballs are the perfect answer.

Tender, juicy meatballs in an easy sweet and sour sauce!

You’ll love the versatility of this meatball recipe. Whether you whip up a batch of homemade meatballs with the recipe below, or use turkey meatballs, or buy a bag of frozen meatballs, this recipe couldn’t get any easier!

Ingredient Notes

  • Meatballs. I usually make a double batch and freeze half for future use. You can also use store bought frozen meatballs for a quick time saver.
  • Grape Jelly
  • Chili Sauce – found in the ketchup aisle

That’s it. Whether you call these co*cktail meatballs or grape jelly meatballs, one thing is for certain, they won’t last long!

Easy Instructions

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (2)

STEP 1: Start by making the meatballs. In a bowl, combine ground beef with egg, bread crumbs, garlic, salt, pepper and milk. Use your hands to mix thoroughly.

STEP 2: Shape beef mixture into small bite size balls. I use a 1 Tbsp scoop for this, as we prefer our appetizer meatballs to be smaller. You can totally make them bigger if you prefer. Arrange meatballs in a hot skillet over medium high heat, turning often until completely cooked.

PRO TIP: You can freeze cooled, cooked meatballs in a freezer safe airtight container for up to 3 months. So go ahead and double that recipe!

STEP 3: In the bottom of a crockpot or slow cooker, add equal parts of grape jelly and chili sauce. I use about 1 cup of each, but if you like them a little juicier or serving over rice, feel free to double that amount.

Whisk the jelly and chili sauce until combined. Add cooked meatballs (or frozen meatballs) to the crockpot. Turn on low for about 3 hours. Serve warm and enjoy!

  • Storage: You can also prepare the grape jelly and chili sauce with the meatballs and refrigerate together for up to 24 hours. Then heat and serve.
  • Freezing the meatballs with the jelly and chili sauce is also an option. Whether you prepare it in advance or want to freeze leftovers, store in airtight container for up to one month.
Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (3)

Variations

Our family loves the standard grape jelly with chili sauce for these meatballs. But if you’re looking for a little variety, or your pantry is lacking in an ingredient, there are some tried and true substitutions you may like:

  • Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Pineapple preserves with BBQ Sauce
  • Ketchup and Grape Jelly
  • Cranberry Sauce (either the whole berry or jellied) with BBQ Sauce

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs in grape jelly meatballs?

Yes! Fresh or frozen meatballs can be used in this co*cktail meatball recipe. No need to thaw.

Can I make co*cktail Meatballs ahead of time?

You can make and freee your meatballs without sauce for up to three months. Or refrigerate for 2 days in advance.

Can I make grape jelly meatballs in oven?

In a large baking dish, combine the cooked meatballs with jelly and chili sauce. Cover with foil and bake in a 350 degree F oven for about 40 minutes, or until bubbly hot. Stir and serve.

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (4)

Can Grape Jelly Meatballs be a meal?

Of course! Serve your grape jelly meatballs with a side of rice or a big green salad on the side.

Pair your crockpot meatballs with some baked mashed potatoes or hashbrown casserole for a filling dish!

Tips and Tricks

  • Mix the chili sauce and grape jelly together in the bottom of the slow cooker BEFORE adding the meatballs. This helps create an even distribution of sauce.
  • Double the sauce recipe if you’re looking to have a little extra on each meatball.
  • This is also a GREAT sauce (the grape jelly with chili sauce) to cook with co*cktail weenies (little smokies)!
  • Serve your grape jelly meatballs right out of the slow cooker or plate them with party toothpicks!
Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (5)

More Meatball Recipes

  • Greek Zucchini Meatballs
  • Zucchini Meatballs
  • Meatball Sub Recipe
  • Swedish Meatballs

More Appetizer Recipes

  • Hummus Recipe
  • Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Bang Bang Chicken
  • Artichoke Dip

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (6)

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Grape Jelly Meatballs

4.78 from 18 votes

By: Aimee

These co*cktail Meatballs (or Grape Jelly Meatballs) are exactly what your party needs, and they're super easy to make! Homemade Meatballs with an easy, two ingredient sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 30 meatballs

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon milk
  • 1 cup grape jelly
  • 1 cup chili sauce

Instructions

  • Mix beef, egg, bread crumbs, garlic, salt, pepper and milk in large bowl. Shape into small bite size balls. Cook in hot skillet, turning, until completely cooked.

  • At this point you can let them cool, and freeze them. Or you can toss them right into a crock pot with the jelly and chili sauce. Turn on low, heat for about 3 hours, serve, enjoy!

Notes

  • Frozen meatballs can be used in place of homemade meatballs.
  • Storage: You can also prepare the grape jelly and chili sauce with the meatballs and refrigerate together for up to 24 hours. Then heat and serve.
  • Freezing the meatballs with the jelly and chili sauce is also an option. Whether you prepare it in advance or want to freeze leftovers, store in airtight container for up to one month.

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 223mg, Sugar: 5g

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

Grape Jelly Meatballs are the easiest game day appetizer, served in the crockpot with a delicious sweet and sour sauce!

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why are my grape jelly meatballs watery? ›

To thicken runny grape jelly meatball sauce, mix up a teaspoon of cornstarch (or even two depending on how thick you want things) with an equal amount of water. Stir this into the bubbling meatball mixture during the last hour they're in the slow cooker.

What is the secret to firm meatballs? ›

Egg: Adds more moisture and helps the mixture firm up once cooked. Parmesan: My secret ingredient for the best meatballs! Parmigiano-Reggiano adds flavor and salt to our mixture.

What can I substitute for grape jelly meatballs? ›

Replace the Grape Jelly with apricot preserves, orange marmalade, canned cranberry sauce, raspberry preserves, or hot pepper jelly. Replace the Ketchup with Heinz chili sauce or barbecue sauce. If swapping the ketchup for chili sauce, it is not a spicy sauce.

Why is it called baby shower meatballs? ›

Why do people call them baby shower meatballs ?- Traditionally they are a staple dish served at baby showers.

How to fix grape jelly that didn't set? ›

To remake cooked jam or jelly using powdered pectin measure 15 mL (1 tbsp) water and 7 mL (11/2 tsp) powdered pectin for each 250 mL (1 cup) product into a large saucepan. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in jam or jelly.

How to thicken up meatballs? ›

Add a lightly beaten egg, but not too much. Egg acts as a binder for the ingredients, but you only need a small amount. One small egg will do for one pound of minced meat. Alternatively, if you're following an egg-free diet, you could soak fresh bread in milk, squeezing out any excess milk, to use as a binder.

Is it better to bake meatballs at 350 or 400? ›

For 1-2 inches of beef, pork, or turkey meatballs without any pre-cooking, use these guidelines for your wall oven:
  • 350°F wall oven:
  • 8–14 minutes for 1-inch meatballs.
  • 14–18 minutes for 2-inch meatballs.
  • 400°F wall oven:
  • 6–10 minutes for 1-inch meatballs.
  • 10–14 minutes for 2-inch meatballs.
  • 425°F wall oven:
Aug 16, 2023

What not to do when making meatballs? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatballs
  1. Not seasoning the meat.
  2. Not adding any moisture to the meat.
  3. Over-mixing the meat.
  4. Not shaping the meatballs correctly.
  5. Not forming evenly-sized meatballs.
May 1, 2019

Is it better to use milk or water in meatballs? ›

Milk: We will mix a bit of milk with the breadcrumbs to form a panade, which will help to keep our meatballs nice and moist. Ground beef and pork: I like to use a 50/50 mix of the two to make meatballs, but you can also make all-beef or all-pork meatballs if you prefer.

What is the difference between Welch's grape jelly and Welch's grape jam? ›

Welch's Jelly is made from fruit juice and Welch's Jam is made from pureed fruit. So to put it simply, though we use the same ingredients, the texture of both products will be different.

Is concord grape jelly the same as regular grape jelly? ›

Welch's Natural Concord Grape Spread

And unlike most grape jelly, it isn't made with high fructose corn syrup. It's just concord grapes, sugar, lemon juice concentrate, and fruit pectin. Don't be turned off by the fact that it's a “spread” rather than a jelly—it's the consistency of jelly, I promise.

How to make a jelly sauce for meatballs? ›

Combine grape jelly, chili sauce, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until warm, 5 to 10 minutes. Place meatballs in a slow cooker and top with grape jelly mixture. Cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours.

What is a grandma baby shower? ›

Put simply, a grandma shower is just like a baby shower with games, food and cake, except it celebrates the grandma-to-be versus the mom-to-be. If you've never heard of this type of event before, it's most certainly a thing.

What is a German baby shower? ›

Baby showers are NOT held in Germany, out of a belief it is unlucky to celebrate the birth of a child before the child is actually born. Also, similar to French mothers, German mothers often find it perplexing to purchase gifts before the baby's arrival.

What do Italians call meatballs? ›

Called polpettes, Italian meatballs are often served sauceless and are much smaller than the meatballs you're probably used to. Traditional Italian meatballs typically contain equal portions of meat and soaked bread, and other additions such as egg and vegetables.

Why is my meatball sauce watery? ›

Because the consistency of your sauce is so thin, it might as well be water. This could happen when you add too much pasta water into your sauce, and you accidentally drown the thick sauce with the starchy water (happens to the best of us).

Why are my meatballs too wet? ›

Because the role of eggs in meatballs is primarily structural, the amount of eggs you use does matter. You want enough to keep the mixture stable and easy to handle, but too many will make the mixture overly soft.

Why is my grape jam runny? ›

Too little sugar: Much like pectin, some fruits are higher in natural sugar than others. Jams made from fruits with higher sugar content thicken on their own more easily than those with less sugar. A no-sugar or low-sugar recipe might not call for enough sugar to naturally thicken the jam, even at a rolling boil.

How long does it take for grape jelly to thicken? ›

Give the jam 24-48 hours to set up (because truly, sometimes it can take that long for pectin to reach the finished set). If it still hasn't set, it's time to determine how much jam needs to be recooked. You don't want to remake more than 8 cups (4 pints) at a time.

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