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!
Some people make these with chili sauce instead of bbq sauce, and while I love both versions, I tend to make this one more. In fact, I first published this recipe back in 2010, and have loved it ever since.
These BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs are the perfect party appetizer. They also make a great dinner, which is how I originally ate these back in 2010!
What ingredients are in Crockpot BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs?
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.
- 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 do you 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.
Can you cook BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs in the oven?
YES! 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
Feta, Pesto and Tomato Bruschetta
Sloppy Joe Dip
White Cheese Dip
Tools Used to make these Crockpot BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
I have a 6-quart slow cooker that is the perfect size for this recipe.
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Crockpot BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 mins
- 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
Jennifurla says
These are always a hit!
Susi says
We love to have appetizer parties or even dinners at home and these look like they would be a great addition! :o)
Cassie says
I want that whole plate, right NOW!!
Joanne says
Definitely true, there is no such thing as too many appetizer recipes! These look delicious! I love how simple they are.
Julie says
I love those Ikea meatballs too. This sounds like a perfect appetizer!
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!
Abby says
Love these! They scream Christmas to me. Can't believe it's that time of year already!
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!
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.
Karly says
These are always a big hit!!
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.
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!
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?
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?
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.
Cathy says
do you use plain meatballs or have you tried Italian meatballs with this recipe?
Portia ONeal says
Can I add chili sauce to the grape and barbecue mixture also?
yvonne says
I made this for a pot luck and they were gone quickly. Loved this recipe. Simple and easy!
★★★★★
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.
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!
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
★★★★★
J.O. says
Very good! Will be making this often!
★★★★★
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!