Grape Jelly Meatballs
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Dec. 27, 2025
These grape jelly meatballs need only 3 ingredients; so easy for parties or weeknight meals. The sweet and smoky sauce clings to every bite, and the slow cooker does all the work.
In This Article
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Amy’s Notes
I love making these Grape Jelly Meatballs when I need an easy and delicious party appetizer. Here’s why we love them:
- Sweet and Smoky Flavor: The mix of grape jelly and honey BBQ sauce creates a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. It’s that same crave-worthy combo of sweet and savory you’ll find in our Sweet and Sour Meatballs.
- Effortless Cooking: This recipe is all about ease. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, stir once or twice, and let it do the work while you get on with your day.
- Perfect for Parties: These meatballs are ideal for gatherings. They stay warm in the slow cooker and are easy to serve, making them a go-to for game days and potlucks.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just three main ingredients, you get a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s proof that simple really can be delicious.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve them as an appetizer, over rice, or tucked into slider buns. They’re as flexible as they are flavorful, much like these Easy Asian Glazed Meatballs.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Frozen Meatballs – About 50 fully cooked, good-quality meatballs make this recipe quick and easy. Beef, pork, or turkey all work well, and plant-based meatballs are a great option too.
- Grape Jelly – Adds the signature sweetness and glossy texture to the sauce. I like using classic Concord grape jelly for its rich, fruity flavor, but any brand will do.
- Honey BBQ Sauce – Brings smoky, tangy depth that balances the jelly’s sweetness. Sweet Baby Ray’s is my favorite, but any thick, flavorful BBQ sauce works perfectly.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Protein Options: I usually use beef meatballs, but turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meatballs work great too. Use whatever fits your taste or what you have on hand.
- Sauce Swaps: Try a smoky BBQ sauce for deeper flavor or a spicy one if you like heat. You can also mix in a little chili sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Jelly Alternatives: Grape jelly is classic, but raspberry, apricot, or even cranberry jelly can change things up nicely. Each one gives a slightly different sweetness.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Add all three ingredients into a slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours.
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve warm.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Cook and Reheat: Make the full batch a day before serving. Let the meatballs cool, then refrigerate them in their sauce. Reheat on low in the slow cooker or gently on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Freeze for Later: Once cooked and cooled, freeze the meatballs with their sauce in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove until hot and bubbly.
What To Serve with Grape Jelly Meatballs
Appetizers
- If you’re serving these meatballs for a party spread, pair them with other crowd favorites like Ham and Cheese Sliders or Homemade Mozzarella Sticks.
- We also like to round things out with a bright Fresh Fruit Salsa or a creamy, spicy Jalapeno Popper Party Dip for a fun mix of flavors.
Cocktails
- These Grape Jelly Meatballs are perfect for parties and pair beautifully with a refreshing drink. We like serving them alongside a bright and fruity Madras Cocktail for a simple, crowd-pleasing combo.
- For something festive, try a sparkling Pomegranate Punch or a crisp Cranberry Prosecco to balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce.
Grape Jelly Meatballs
These 3-Ingredient Grape Jelly Meatballs are the easiest, most popular party appetizer. Perfect for a quick ‘n scrumptious appetizer or make it an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 50 frozen meatballs, good quality, fully cooked
- 18 ounces grape jelly
- 18 ounces Honey BBQ Sauce
- green onions, optional, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine the grape jelly and honey BBQ sauce. Stir until well combined. Add frozen meatballs. Stir to fully coat meatballs with sauce. Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours, occasionally stirring midway.
- Serve warm. Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions, if desired.
Notes
- I use Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ Sauce; feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Use fully cooked frozen meatballs to save time and keep the texture firm while they simmer in the sauce.
- Stir the grape jelly and BBQ sauce together before adding the meatballs so the flavors blend evenly.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it slightly as it cooks.
- For a touch of heat, mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Stir once or twice during cooking to coat the meatballs evenly and prevent sticking.
- Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting when serving at parties so the meatballs stay hot and saucy.
- Repurpose leftovers by serving them over rice, mashed potatoes, or tucked into slider buns.
- This recipe is part of our New Year’s Recipes Collection.
- We love serving these meatballs as part of a party spread alongside other favorites like our Ham and Cheese Sliders or Homemade Mozzarella Sticks.
Nutrition (per serving)
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can use homemade meatballs if you prefer. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker so they hold their shape and soak up the sauce nicely.
What kind of grape jelly works best?
Classic Concord grape jelly gives the richest flavor, but any brand will work. You can also use a reduced-sugar version if you want the sauce a little less sweet.
Can I make these meatballs spicy?
Yes. Add a few dashes of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or use a spicy BBQ sauce to give the dish a little kick.
How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
More to Cook and Eat
- Teriyaki Meatloaf Recipe – Tender, juicy, and full of sweet & tangy teriyaki flavor, this teriyaki meatloaf is a tasty Asian meatloaf recipe you’ll adore!
- Cranberry BBQ Saucy Ribs – Cranberry BBQ Saucy Ribs will have your eaters raving over your skills. You don’t have to tell how easy it was.
- BBQ Sriracha Ribs – These ribs have a tasty kick to them, thanks to the addition of Sriracha. This one is savory, sweet, and spicy all in one.
- 4-Ingredient Crock Pot Buffalo Meatballs – These 4-Ingredient Crock Pot Buffalo Meatballs are incredibly easy, tender, and succulent. They’re the perfect meatball appetizers for parties, gatherings, or family weeknight dinner.