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.
Kathy Chaisson says
Can I use Italian style meatballs? Thanks!
Deborah says
You can!
Claudia says
My mom always made these and I could only remember that they had grape jelly in them never knew what else went in the recipe Came across this recipe and knew I had to try it to see if they were the ones my mom used to make. Was so happy to find out they are the ones. They are great and taste so good. I enjoy them so I make them when ever I want them great to make a meatball sandwich with or just to eat. They freeze great also makes it nice that I can make them and freeze the leftovers for another meal or more Give these a try everyone will love them and so easy to make
douglas highland says
Try using 16 oz. jar of chille sauce instead of bbq. sauce. Or you can use both if your cooking more than 2 lbs. of meat balls
Eileen B Garcia says
Do the meatballs need to be cooked first?
Deborah says
Nope!
Marlowe says
If I’m using frozen, do they need to be thawed first?
Deborah says
Nope – you can add them in frozen!
Joann says
I loved this recipe it’s a hit in the stomach
John Doe says
I love this so much
Patricia Pendergrass says
This recipe is so easy and sounds so delicious!!! I have the meatballs and jelly, but needed the barbecue sauce. I just sent my husband to the store to get some so we can have this delicious treat as a part of dinner!!!
Nancy Fox says
Loved the recipe I added a teaspoon of chili sauce for a little bite
Martha Burge says
I use to go to a party at new years and she made these for many years. Now I make them all the time. This is as easy as you get and just let me tell you they are the best!! I use baby Ray’s bbq sauce. Love them so much!!!❤❤❤
Alissa says
I make this every time my church has a fellowship meal and it’s to die for!! Everybody loves them and I never have left overs haha! Thank you so much for this simple but delicious recipe 😋
Carol lee nagle says
Can I use the little hot dogs in this sauce instead?
Deborah says
Yes – I’m sure they’d be great!
J.O. says
Very good! Will be making this often!
Melissa Jansen says
My family loved this so much. When we went shopping today, it was ” what else do we need for the meatball pasta?” I served it over egg noodles, and they all want more
Marcia C says
Could not locate my ‘secret’ recipe that contained a can if whole cranberries plus 8-9 other ingredients! Thinking about grape jelly and how it balances out the spicy flavoring of BBQ sauce, I took the BIG risk making these for appetizers on Thanksgiving. Yes! Big hit with way less prep. At Christmas, chili sauce was added and was equally delightful!
ALice says
I want to take this dish to a party 3 hours away. How can I take safety, cook before I leave in crock pot? Don’t want my to make any one sick. Thanks for advice. Love this dish.
yvonne says
I made this for a pot luck and they were gone quickly. Loved this recipe. Simple and easy!
Portia ONeal says
Can I add chili sauce to the grape and barbecue mixture also?