Both sweet and savory, these Crockpot BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs are always a crowd favorite. They require only 3 ingredients and a couple of minutes of hands on time, then let them cook in the slow cooker until party time.
When it comes to easy crockpot appetizers, these Crockpot BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs are at the top of the easy list! You also can’t beat Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip or these Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings!
This recipe for Crockpot BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs is one of those recipes that you will always wonder where it came from. It’s been around forever, but one of those flavor combinations that is so out there, but works so well together. I just can’t imagine sitting around and having this idea that grape jelly and bbq sauce would make the perfect coating for meatballs!
These BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs are the perfect party appetizer. They also make a great dinner, which we have done more than once!
Ingredients
One of the best parts of this recipe is that there are only 3 ingredients!
- Grape Jelly – Any brand should work!
- BBQ Sauce – I really think it makes a big difference to use a bbq sauce that you really like. I always use Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ Sauce. I have also heard of people using chili sauce instead of bbq sauce.
- Meatballs – Again, this is a time to use a meatball that you really like. I usually have good luck with the ones from Costco, but have also used IKEA meatballs. I’ll pick up the grocery store brand in a pinch, but I don’t always like those as much. You can always make them from scratch, as well. Homemade meatballs usually freeze really well, too!
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
It doesn’t get easier than this recipe!
- Combine the grape jelly and the bbq sauce in the slow cooker. No reason to do this in a bowl and make an extra dish to wash. You can easily combine these in the bottom of the slow cooker. If there are still chunks of jelly, don’t worry about it, as they will melt away in the slow cooker.
- Add your meatballs and stir to coat the meatballs.
- Let them cook on high for about 3 1/2 hours. Stir once or twice during the cook time to make sure they are cooking evenly and all being coated by the mixture.
- I turn my slow cooker to warm and keep them in the slow cooker for serving. Have some toothpicks to make it easy to get the meatballs from the slow cooker.
How To Make Them In The Oven
You can skip the slow cooker and bake them in the oven, instead. Just follow the same instructions to prepare, but use a baking dish instead of the slow cooker. The bake the grape jelly meatballs at 350ºF for about an hour.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Easy Crab Dip Recipe
The Best Deviled Egg Recipe
Queso Blanco
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Cheese Ball Recipe
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Crockpot BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 2 cups prepared bbq sauce
- 2 lb frozen meatballs
Instructions
- Combine the jelly and bbq sauce in a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add the meatballs and stir to coat the meatballs. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice during the cook time.
- Serve warm.
- Alternately, you can bake these in the oven at 350ºF for one hour.
Cathy says
do you use plain meatballs or have you tried Italian meatballs with this recipe?
Candace Bishop says
If I’m making the meatballs do I need to cook them before adding them or will they cook in the Crock-Pot?
Deborah says
I would cook the meatballs first. Although I’m sure they’d cook in the sauce, as well, if you wanted to cut out a step. The cook time would be longer, though.
Mari says
This looks amazing! Question – do you think that we should use more Jelly and BBQ Sauce if we do more than 2lbs of meatballs?
Megan says
i’ve made these multiple times and they’re AMAZING!!! definitely a hit at all the get togethers! but i do have a question, could you cook these on low? and if so, for how long?
Kelley Stanley says
I know these are yummy!!! I have had some very similar:)) I’m wondering if the meatballs NEED to be frozen for the recipe.
Thank you!
Diana says
Why is it hard to see how many people this will serve. It says serves 25, but that doesn’t sound right. I hope you are still answering questions.
Deborah says
That is as an appetizer serving. It will depend on how many meatballs are in your bag, but it should be about 2 meatballs per person.
Karly says
These are always a big hit!!
grace says
i love this recipe. any time i spy these on a buffet table, i make a beeline for 'em. so easy, so tasty.
Vivienne says
haha i initially thought this was so weird but now im keen to give it a try once i stock up my new pantry! 🙂 love fast recipes like this!
Abby says
Love these! They scream Christmas to me. Can't believe it's that time of year already!
Monet says
IKEA meatballs are ALWAYS good…especially when you do something special like you did! I love the thought of the sweet grape sauce with the salty meat. This is an inspired party dish. Thank you for sharing, love!
Julie says
I love those Ikea meatballs too. This sounds like a perfect appetizer!
Joanne says
Definitely true, there is no such thing as too many appetizer recipes! These look delicious! I love how simple they are.
Cassie says
I want that whole plate, right NOW!!
Susi says
We love to have appetizer parties or even dinners at home and these look like they would be a great addition! :o)
Jennifurla says
These are always a hit!