These Barbecue Meatballs with Grape Jelly are the perfect appetizer for game day, a potluck, or any get together. Made with just 3 ingredients, this crock pot meatball recipe is an easy and delicious favorite.
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Where did Grape Jelly Meatballs Come From?
While the combination may seem unusual, meatballs with grape jelly and chili sauce have been enjoyed in the United States since the 1960s. While the exact origins of the recipe are unclear, it first appears in the Elegant but Easy cookbook from 1960, and was submitted to Dorothy Dean’s Summer Recipes Contest in 1962. Over the years, this meatball sauce has been enjoyed with lots of different flavor combinations, but grape jelly BBQ meatballs easily make for an instant classic!
Why This Barbecue Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe is a Keeper
These tangy meatballs are made with sweet jelly and savory barbecue sauce for a delicious easy crock pot meal that’s sure to be a big hit. Here are some reasons why you’ll want to try this easy recipe for a perfect party appetizer:
- Easy to Make: You only need three ingredients to make these BBQ and jelly meatballs!
- Family-Friendly: These sweet crockpot BBQ grape jelly meatballs are a delicious dish that’s perfect for picky eaters.
- Makes Great Leftovers: Use leftover meatballs in a sub or meatball sliders.
If you’re looking for more easy appetizer recipes, try these Traditional Swedish Meatballs, Sweet Chili Appetizer Meatballs, and Chicken Firecracker Meatballs.
Can I Make these Meatballs on the Stovetop?
If you don’t have a crock pot or instant pot, place all of the ingredients in a large pot and heat over medium high heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Ingredient Notes to Make Bbq Grape Jelly Meatballs Appetizer
You will love this recipe with grape jelly and bbq sauce. You can’t beat it as these meatballs are the perfect party snack. And this easy crockpot recipe does not take up too much oven space and only minutes of prep.
- Meatballs: You can make homemade meatballs, or use frozen meatballs for an easy meal.
- BBQ Sauce: Use store bought barbecue sauce, or try this Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe instead.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for Easy Appetizer Recipe with BBQ Meatballs
- Meatballs: Use turkey, chicken, pork, or beef meatballs, or use veggie meatballs for a vegan alternative.
- Grape Jelly: Try a homemade sweet grape jelly, or a sugar-free version to save calories.
- Barbecue Sauce: Keto versions, such as Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce, are a great barbecue sauce for this dish. Sweet and sour are great too.
Special Equipment Needed to Make Crockpot BBQ Cooked Meatballs
- Crock Pot: Use a crock pot, instant pot, or slow cooker to easily cook these barbecue meatballs.
How to Make Easy Crock pot Barbecue Meatballs
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These are the basic steps for making barbecue grape jelly meatballs. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions and nutrition information.
Step 1: Add Meatballs
Place fresh or frozen meatballs into your slow cooker. If you’re using frozen meatballs, make sure to thaw beforehand.
Step 2: Sauce
Pour grape jelly and barbecue sauce over the meatballs and stir well to combine the grape jelly and sauce.
Step 3: Cook and Serve
Cook at high temperature for 2-3 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked. Serve out of the crock pot with toothpicks.
BBQ Jelly Meatball FAQs
Expert Tips for Making Grape Jelly Meatballs with Barbecue Sauce
- Swap Cranberry: Try swapping the grape jelly for a can of jellied cranberry sauce.
- Make Ahead of Time: Get a jump start by starting these meatballs early. Just reheat in a pan when it’s party time.
- Premade: Get bags of premade meatballs at box stores, such as Costco.
- Ketchup: Thicken the sauce by stirring ketchup in with the cooked meatballs.
What to Serve with Grape Jelly Barbecue Meatballs
Barbecue Meatballs with Grape Jelly
Video
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 32 ounces Meatballs, frozen
- 18 ounces Grape jelly
- 18 ounces BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Add the meatballs, grape jelly and BBQ sauce to a slow cooker; Stir to combine.
- Cook on high for 1 hour then turn the slow cooker to the warm setting.
Christina’s Notes
- Swap Cranberry:Â Try swapping the grape jelly for a can of jellied cranberry sauce for cranberry meatballs. Or pineapple jelly or different flavors.
- Use Turkey Meatballs:Â You can easily substitute turkey or try a vegan version for your guests who are meatless.
- Make Ahead of Time: Get a jump start by starting these meatballs early then reheat in a pan when it’s party time.
- Premade: Get bags of premade meatballs at box stores such as Costco.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
These crock pot meatballs are amazing!!
I served these BBQ meatballs for dinner last night with garlic mashed potatoes and carrot salad. It was delish. I pinned these crockpot meatballs to make again later.