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.
Looking for more free recipes?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.

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
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!!!
John Doe says
I love this so much
★★★★★