Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

If you grew up with bouffants, princess phones, and kitchens in avocado green, you probably remember when saucy grape jelly meatballs first became the rage at church fellowships and neighborhood parties in the 'burbs. The secret ingredient was (drumroll, please)… grape jelly! It's still the secret ingredient, bringing a sweetness to the heat and spice of companion ingredients like chili sauce and barbecue sauce.

We still love these sweet-tangy-saucy little bites. They're always crowd pleasers in the South, and they're strictly a dump-and-stir proposition. Whisk together the sauce, and give your slow cooker a spritz of cooking spray. In go the meatballs, in goes the sauce. Toss. Cook. Done. Sprinkle chives on top before serving. Actually, you don't even have to serve them. Just place a container of picks next to your slow cooker, and guests can serve themselves.

There's no easier dish this side of a pineapple sandwich. Try them and find out why this groovy appetizer from back in the day is still a hit.

Where Did Grape Jelly Meatballs Come From?

A 1960 cookbook Elegant but Easy is to thank for the origin of these treasured meatballs, with a recipe containing homemade meatballs simmered in about equal parts chili sauce and grape jelly. While the recipe has been modified through the years, including additions to balance and add complexity to the sauce, along with the switch from warming the meatballs in a chafing dish to a slow-cooker, the flavor base remains the same.

Ingredients for Grape Jelly Meatballs

To make these sweet and tangy meatballs, you'll need:

• Grape jelly: For a sweetness that balances the chili sauce, and to provide a glossy finish to the sauce.
• Chili sauce: Tomato paste, spices, and garlic give this sauce its depth.
• Barbecue sauce: Thickens the sauce while complementing the jelly and chili sauce.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick.
• Sriracha chili sauce: For additional heat.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Cooking spray: To keep the meatballs from sticking to the slow-cooker.
• Frozen meatballs: A shortcut option, or swap with homemade.
• Finely chopped chives: For a bright color and fresh, oniony flavor.

How To Make Grape Jelly Meatballs

These meatballs couldn't be easier to throw together.

• Step 1. Whisk to combine all the ingredients for the sauce, including the jelly, chili sauce, barbecue sauce, mustard, Sriracha, salt, and pepper.
• Step 2. Spray the insert of the slow-cooker, then pour in the meatballs.
• Step 3. Toss with sauce to coat.
• Step 4. Cover and cook on HIGH until thickened, 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring halfway through. Top with chives before serving.

Can I Make Grape Jelly Meatballs Without a Slow-Cooker?

If you don't have a slow-cooker, these meatballs can also be made on the stovetop or in the oven:

• Stovetop: Stir to combine the sauce ingredients. Add meatballs to a Dutch oven, and toss in sauce to coat. Cook over low to medium heat, covered with occasional stirring, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
• Oven: Stir to combine the sauce ingredients. Add meatballs to a Dutch oven, and toss in sauce to coat. Cover and bake in a preheated 350°F oven until meatballs are cooked through. Reduce sauce on the stovetop if needed before serving.

Ways To Serve Grape Jelly Meatballs

These meatballs are a classic appetizer for a reason. Sweet, tangy, and spicy, they hit all the right notes to keep your guests coming back for more. Serve to start the party on holidays, game nights, cocktail parties, and more. But don't stop there. You can also serve these meatballs over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for an easy weeknight meal.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Grape Jelly Meatballs

Refrigerate leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then reheat on the stovetop, covered, over low heat until hot throughout. You can also reheat in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, in the microwave, or back in the slow-cooker until hot throughout before serving.

More Classic Appetizer Recipes We Love

From cheese balls to deviled eggs, these classic appetizers are crowd-pleasers for a reason (hint: they're delicious!):

• Party Cheese Ball
• Oysters Rockefeller
• Classic Deviled Eggs
• Ham Delights
• Basic Pimiento Cheese
• Beer-Cheese Fondue
• Sausage Balls
• Cheddar Cheese Straws
• Hot Cheesy Crab Dip

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.