CrockPot Grape Jelly Meatballs

These Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and oh-so-easy to make! Perfect for game days, holiday parties, or family dinners with just 3 ingredients and a slow cooker! Get the recipe and wow your guests!

CrockPot Grape Jelly Meatballs

When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers, Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs are a classic go-to. This simple yet delicious recipe combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors to create a dish that's always a hit at gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. Plus, with minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s a stress-free option for any host.

Crockpot grape jelly meatballs are beloved for their simplicity and flavor. The slow cooker allows the meatballs to soak up the sweet-tangy sauce, making each bite flavorful and tender.

With just three main ingredients and a slow cooker, these meatballs practically cook themselves. Whether you're short on time or looking for a reliable dish to please a crowd, this recipe delivers every time. Their sweet and savory flavor makes them a favorite among kids and adults alike, and will keep guests coming back for more.

Why Put Grape Jelly on Meatballs?

The sweetness of the grape jelly is an easy way to incorporate sweet into this otherwise savory dish, with a subtle fruity flavor. Like honey barbecue, sweet and sour sauce, candied bacon, or mango salsa, the grape jelly brings the sweet, which helps the savory to shine.

What Is Chili Sauce?

Chili sauce is a condiment, like ketchup, except it is prepared with chili peppers instead of tomatoes. There are chili sauces, such as Sriracha, which are spicy, but the chili sauce used in this recipe, such as Heinz, is extremely mild with just a savory peppery flavor.

What Kind of Meatballs Should I Use?

I recommend using fully-cooked frozen homestyle meatballs. You can use the Italian or Swedish variations in a pinch, but the flavor will obviously be a little different.

Can I Make the Meatballs from Scratch?

Yes, you can! You can make them and cook them from raw right in the slow cooker with the jelly sauce. The cook time will change to a similar one as my crockpot spaghetti and meatballs recipe, about 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

Variations

• Barbecue - Instead of chili sauce, your favorite barbecue sauce can be used. I would stay away from sweet varieties, such as honey barbecue, and lean more towards a vinegary or spicy sauce such as Open Pit, or a Carolina variation.
• Spice - To add heat to this savory-sweet dish, add in red pepper flakes to taste or add a hot chili sauce such as Sriracha or sambal oelek to keep the same chili flavor but up the heat factor.
• Jelly - You can experiment with jelly flavor. I have tried lots and it's hard to go wrong in this department! Try apricot, orange marmalade, strawberry, raspberry, or cherry!

How to Serve Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs

Traditionally, crockpot grape jelly meatballs are served as an appetizer. You can leave the slow cooker to keep them warm for potlucks and party, and guests can serve themselves with a spoon. Or you can put toothpicks in the meatballs and serve them on a plate individually.

These meatballs can also make a tasty dinner, served with a veggie and a side of mashed potatoes.

More Easy Appetizer Recipes You'll Love

• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers - These appetizer made with fresh jalapenos, cream cheese, cheddar, and a crispy topping are air-fried to tender, melty, cheesy perfection.
• Slow Cooker Mongolian Meatballs - another super easy crockpot meatball recipe that's perfect for an appetizer or dinner with a unique Asian twist.
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks - This homemade appetizer is cooked quickly in the air fryer and is perfect for making ahead. Plus it's cheaper and healthier than the freezer section!
• Cold Veggie Pizza - This classic appetizer is a crowd please with a creamy ranch cream cheese topping on soft pizza dough and piled high with fresh veggies
• Mexican Pinwheels - this zesty appetizer is packed with southwest flavor, such as chiles and black beans. It's easy to prep ahead and the perfect bite-size snack for parties and game day.

CrockPot Grape Jelly Meatballs Video