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
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 25 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
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.
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.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 2 meatballs
- Calories: 164
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 349 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 34 mg
Keywords: grape jelly meatballs, crockpot meatballs, bbq meatballs, crockpot meatball recipe
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.
★★★★★
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?
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!