Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

These Grape Jelly Meatballs are perfect for fall festivities and a delicious new addition to my growing collection of favorite meatball recipes!

Table of Contents

Toggle

I’m back with another delicious and creative meatball recipe for y’all to try! If you liked my meatball sliders and meatballs stroganoff, it’s time to whip up something new with these grape jelly meatballs. I’m quickly building a reputation here at FFF as the meatball maniac, but I can’t help it! Meatballs are so tasty, versatile, and easy to prepare in so many ways—including with jelly!

Now, I know fruity-flavored meatballs may sound outside of the box, but don’t knock it ’till you try it. Grape jelly meatballs are sweet with a decent kick, courtesy of the chili sauce. They’re perfect for entertaining, snacking, and partying!

I admit I was thrown off to hear that grape jelly meatballs were a thing. But once I tried them, I was sold. Best of all, you just need three simple ingredients. Then throw them in your slow cooker and go about your day! The low-maintenance cooking method on these bad boys makes them a perfect party snack because you can handle a million other things on your to-do list while they cook. By the time you’ve cleaned, decorated, and made the rest of your food, your meatballs are ready!

Are Grape Jelly Meatballs Healthy?

If you’re mindful about your ingredients, you can easily make a healthy version of grape jelly meatballs. Choose an all-natural jelly that contains real fruit and low sugar.

For a leaner option, feel free to use a lower-fat meatball made from chicken or turkey. Some delicious meatless options are also available. Or make your meatballs from scratch like I always do!

Making Meatballs From Scratch

Like I said, I’m a meatball maniac. That’s because I grew up in a giant Italian family, where everyone was a chef, and everyone’s recipe was better than the others. So, I’ve learned much over the years about making the perfect homemade meatballs.

Now, this recipe has more of an all-American BBQ taste, so you’ll want to make sure you’re not leaning into the Italian flavoring of some meatball recipes. (AKA Lay off the oregano.) You’ll also want to use crushed-up Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs in your meatballs! I always suggest this trick, but for these Grape Jelly Meatballs, the Ritz will enhance the flavor profile.

INGREDIENTS

32 ounces frozen fully cooked meatballs
1 cup grape jelly
1 cup chili sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare

Place meatballs in slow cooker.

Mix

Combine jelly and sauce; pour over meatballs.

Cook

Slow cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Once your Grape Jelly Meatballs are cooked, let them cool. Then, add them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat them in your slow cooker or just pop them in the microwave.

CAN OTHER JELLY BE USED?

Using other jelly flavors is a fun way to play with this recipe! I think apricot or raspberry jelly would be delicious, and I’d also encourage more creative modifications like red pepper jelly or a sugar-free cranberry sauce.

ALTERNATIVE COOKING METHODS

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can easily modify this recipe using a Dutch oven or by cooking the grape jelly meatballs on the stove. Just make sure you’re watching them carefully so you don’t burn the sauce!

Serving Suggestions

These Grape Jelly Meatballs are a great appetizer at big events like birthdays, holidays, and game days. Just pop toothpicks in each one for easy eating! For events like these, grape jelly meatballs pair well with other pub foods like buffalo chicken dip and beer-battered onion rings.

If you want to make a meal out of your grape jelly meatballs, serve them over Yukon gold mashed potatoes with a side of asparagus.

However you enjoy them, I’m sure your meatballs will be GRAPE!