Slow Cooker Meatballs With Bbq Sauce And Grape Jelly

Only three ingredients required to make this classic holiday appetizer! Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs take only minutes to prepare and get devoured every time they are served.

Maybe these are not the latest trend or even a unique idea, but these Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs are worth sharing. Why? These meatballs are quick, easy and to be totally honest, are a hit every single time.

If you're looking for something super easy to serve this holiday season, don't overlook these tasty little meatball treats! Every time I make them, they disappear.

These meatballs are perfect for busy holiday entertaining because there is no prep work required. Simply add the frozen meatballs, BBQ sauce and jelly to the slow cooker and let everything heat through.

collage of steps to make slow cooker grape jelly meatballs

What do you need to make grape jelly meatballs?

For one recipe you will need a 2 quart slow cooker. The great news is this is easy to double, triple or quadruple. Just increase your slow cooker to a 4, 6 or 8 quart size.

Even more fun is when you serve them up in a festive little slow cooker like this one! Having one or two smaller slow cookers like this if you like to entertain is a lifesaver.

A great investment because they are inexpensive enough yet cute and perfect for not only a batch of meatballs but also for some Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip or some Corn and Jalapeno Dip as well!

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs in a purple polka dot slow cooker

Why are meatballs in the slow cooker so perfect for entertaining?

Whether it's a hot summer day or a snowy holiday gathering, meatballs are the perfect thing to serve because:

they are filling
they are easy to eat with a toothpick
the frozen ones are tasty and easy to heat
it's easy to make a simple sauce and you can customize it any way you want!

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs in a bowl for a party

Are there ways to customize this recipe?

Everyone has their own take on these little treats, from chili sauce to ketchup to all flavors of jelly.

Try the following pairing instead of BBQ sauce and grape jelly:

chili sauce and apricot preserves
ketchup and grape jelly
bbq sauce and blueberry or strawberry jam

Go wild and and try out different combos or stick to the classic, I don't think you'll be disappointed. My version happens to use my favorite BBQ sauce along with grape jelly.

Tips for the best meatballs:

Make sure to grab homestyle and not Italian style meatballs and no matter the sauce, they will turn out amazing
Watch the slow cooker and stir occasionally so that the meatballs and sauce don't burn (anything on the bottom or sides will cook a little faster)
You can use regular jelly or jam or the no sugar added versions. If using the kind with sugar it may burn a little faster, so just keep an eye on it.

grape jelly meatballs in round slow cooker

FAQ's about this recipe:

leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat covered loosely with paper towel in microwave
I don't recommend freezing leftovers unless you use fresh meatballs to make them

Did you make these? Be sure to drop a comment below and let me know if you loved them!

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

Only three ingredients required to make this classic holiday appetizer! Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs take only minutes to prepare and get devoured every time they are served.

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 2 hrs

Total Time 2 hrs 10 mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 310 kcal

2 quart slow cooker

32 ounces frozen homestyle meatballs
.5 cup BBQ sauce
.5 cup grape jelly

Add meatballs to slow cooker
Top with BBQ sauce and jelly and stir
Cook on high until heated through (about 2 hours) or on low for about 4 hours, stir occasionally

this is easy to double, triple or quadruple just increase your slow cooker to a 4, 6 or 8 quart size
swap out bbq sauce for chili sauce or ketchup to mix up flavors
swap out grape jelly for another flavor and feel free to use a no sugar added version as well
Make sure to grab homestyle and not Italian style meatballs and no matter the sauce, they will turn out amazing
Watch the slow cooker and stir occasionally so that the meatballs and sauce don't burn (anything on the bottom or sides will cook a little faster)
leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat covered loosely with paper towel in microwave
I don't recommend freezing leftovers unless you use fresh meatballs to make them

Calories: 310 kcal Carbohydrates: 17 g Protein: 15 g Fat: 19 g Saturated Fat: 7 g Cholesterol: 65 mg Sodium: 203 mg Potassium: 306 mg Sugar: 12 g Vitamin A: 40 IU Vitamin C: 2.2 mg Calcium: 21 mg Iron: 1 mg

Important nutritional disclaimer

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