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.
stacey g souter says
Can you use frozen swedish meatballs for this
Deborah says
Yes – that should work!
Julie says
My hubby has made this for decades, but uses mustard instead of BBQ sauce for a true sweet and sour flavor. Thinking, per your version, to try it using Rudy’s spicy BBQ sauce.
Deborah says
Oooh, I might need to add in some mustard next time! Sounds great!
Partyof5 says
My boys love this recipe and I absolutely cannot wait to try the mustard and jelly for sure!!! Ive tried the watermelon and mustard and was pleasantly surprised so am anticipating this one for next batch
Lina says
I love this recipe, made it once and it was a hit. Can you make with turkey too?
Miranda says
How would you make this if making homemade meatballs?
Deborah says
You would need to make sure you are starting with cooked meatballs, but you wouldn’t need to change anything else. If they aren’t frozen, it won’t take as long for it all to heat up. The only problem I’ve had with homemade meatballs is that they often fall apart easier than store bought meatballs, so you’ll want to stir gently.
Super Mommio says
I made this today for lunch, served over a bowl of rice. Yummy!
Tammy says
I was craving these last week so I had to make them then. So easy and so yummy!
MaryB says
An oldie but a goodie and so easy!
Cindy says
Love this recipe. I make it every year for New Years. The best, Must make everyone.
Rebecca Ledee says
How do you thicken the sauce 🤔
mary s says
Can i use homemade turkey meatballs,
that have been cooked and frozen
Deborah says
I think that should work just fine.
Sherell says
I used the baking method. They came of perfect!
Deborah says
I’m so glad they came out well for you, Sherell!
Pat whitt says
I asked about subs these sound like snacks
Deborah says
We have only ever had these as an appetizer, but they might make a delicious sandwich as well.
Tonda Cox says
I love this recipe too. It’s our holiday staple thank you
Lorena Solis says
Thanks for the recipe. Did it both ways, crockpot and baked it. Both ways come out delicious. Thanks again.
David J Beaudoin says
I use to eat these as a kid back in the 90s at boy scout camp. Always been my favorite
P.J. kyle says
On my job my boss & his wife made some & it was so good. I felt like a puppy being fed without getting a raise oh well it was worth. Now I’m gonna make me some before new year.