Grape jelly and chili sauce meatballs are as easy as an appetizer can get. With just two steps and three ingredients, these meatballs are quick to whip up before a party, leaving more time to get organized and greet guests.
These meatballs don’t lack in flavor, either. Juicy, succulent meatballs are cooked to browned perfection and coated in a tangy, sweet sauce. Serve them in a large bowl with a stack of toothpicks nearby to encourage guests to pile on as many as they want onto their plates.
Ingredients for Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs
- Meatballs: We prefer to buy premade frozen meatballs to make this recipe easy. Buy one of the best frozen meatballs you can find at the store.
- Chili sauce: Heinz makes an excellent bottle of chili sauce: not too sweet, not too spicy. In lieu of a chili sauce bottle, use ketchup with some chili powder.
- Grape jelly: Use your favorite brand of grape jelly in this recipe. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but keep in mind that, since this recipe only has three ingredients, you’ll really be able to taste it.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the meatballs
Prepare the meatballs according to the package’s instructions. Make sure they’re heated to their food-safe temperature of 165°F.
Step 2: Cook the sauce and coat the meatballs
In a large skillet, combine the chili sauce and grape jelly. Cook and stir over medium heat until the jelly has melted. Add the cooked meatballs to the pan, and cook until everything is heated through.
Recipe Variations
- Make your own meatballs: Not a fan of store-bought meatballs? Roll and bake a batch of our quick and simple meatballs. You’ll be able to taste the difference in the homemade, freshly made meatballs.
- Use a different jelly: Swap the grape jelly out for canned cranberry sauce, apple jelly or elderberry jelly.
- Skip the jelly: The chili sauce and grape jelly in this meatball recipe create a tangy barbecue-style sauce while they cook. If you prefer to skip the jelly, try these barbecue and beer meatballs instead. Or, for a fun twist, make cranberry meatballs.
- Finish with herbs: Finely chop parsley or chives, and sprinkle them on top of the finished meatballs. We love the pop of bright green and the added freshness.
How to Store Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs
To store leftover meatballs, allow them to cool completely to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop until heated through.
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs Tips
How should I serve these meatballs?
These meatballs make an excellent appetizer by themselves. Place toothpicks next to the meatballs so guests can spear their own. Serve them alongside other hot appetizers like chili-lime chicken wings, a gorgeous ring of pizza monkey bread and the fan-favorite jalapeno poppers.
As a main, serve these meatballs over a bed of white rice with a side of broccoli, asparagus or cucumbers.
Can I cook these meatballs in the slow cooker?
These meatballs make a fantastic set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe. Simply add the meatballs to your slow cooker, then add the grape jelly and chili sauce. Place the lid back on, and cook until the meatballs are heated through. Use the high setting for two to three hours, or cook on low for four to six hours.
