Candy and tangy grape jelly meatballs are a basic get together appetizer and so EASY to make! Put together these sticky cocktail meatballs within the crock pot with simply 3 elements.
These gradual cooker grape jelly meatballs are excellent 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 at all times jogs my memory of the vacations. In all probability 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 elements, 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 elements. I take advantage of 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 that you must.
- Celebration-ready. I make this recipe within the crock pot. Not solely do crock pot grape jelly meatballs go away my arms free throughout events and holidays, but it surely additionally implies that I could make a large batch. They’re the last word crowd-pleaser and it’s tremendous simple.
- Moist and stuffed with taste. Generally the very best flavors come from easy elements (see level #1). These juicy grape jelly meatballs are the proper 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 elements to make this simple grape jelly meatballs recipe in your crock pot, plus some additional seasoning. I like to make use of garlic powder. When you don’t have it, be happy to depart it out or use an equal quantity of onion powder instead.
Try some extra ingredient notes right here, and scroll right 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 possibly can additionally use barbecue sauce. An alternative 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 basic selection for grape jelly meatballs, clearly. That being mentioned, there are substitutes (see beneath).
- Meatballs – This gradual cooker recipe works finest with frozen meatballs. These may 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 possibly can change 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.
Tips on how to Make Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs
The great thing about this simple appetizer recipe is that you just mainly dump every thing within the crock pot or gradual cooker and hit “go”! Right here’s what you possibly can anticipate.
- 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 cook 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. Generally, I’ll change the crock pot to Heat and serve them proper from the pot!
Recipe Suggestions
- Make the meatballs forward of time. If I do know I’ll be making these for a vacation get together, slightly 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 fashion they’re able to go, and made with love!
- Give it some kick. Substitute the ketchup with candy chili sauce to convey a touch of warmth to those jelly meatballs. You possibly can additionally go half and half. Then again, in the event you don’t need spicy meatballs, ensure to purchase gentle chili sauce.
- Vegetarian. Purchase frozen meatless meatballs, or use this simple vegetarian meatballs recipe and freeze them beforehand.
- Totally different sauce. If grape jelly isn’t your factor, you possibly can adapt this recipe with one other sauce. Strive 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 dimension make them completely snackable. I normally 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 hardly ever 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 need to use the range or microwave.
- Freeze. Grape jelly meatballs may 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 Simple 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 totally.
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Cook dinner. Cowl the crockpot and cook dinner on excessive for 4 hours, stirring each hour or so in the event you can.
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Serve. Serve the cocktail meatballs heat skewered with toothpicks as a enjoyable get together 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 supplied as courtesy. Values could fluctuate in keeping with the elements and instruments used. Please use your most popular dietary calculator for extra detailed information.