Print

Easy Slow Cooker Party Meatballs with Grape Jelly Glaze

easy slow cooker party meatballs with grape jelly glaze - featured image
Print Recipe

These easy slow cooker party meatballs with grape jelly glaze are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With just five minutes of prep and simple ingredients like frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce, you’ll have a sweet, tangy, and savory appetizer that disappears fast at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds frozen meatballs (about 32–36 meatballs)
  • 1 cup grape jelly (12 ounces)
  • 1 cup chili sauce (12 ounces)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of grape jelly and 1 cup of chili sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk everything together until the jelly is mostly dissolved and the mixture is smooth. If the jelly is stiff, microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften it before whisking.
  2. Add meatballs to the slow cooker: Place 2 pounds of frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker. Spread them out in an even layer.
  3. Pour the glaze over the meatballs: Pour the prepared glaze mixture over the meatballs. Use a spatula to gently stir and coat each meatball.
  4. Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours. If in a hurry, cook on high for 2-3 hours. About halfway through cooking, give them a gentle stir to redistribute the glaze.
  5. Check for doneness: After 4 hours on low, the meatballs should be heated through and the glaze should be thick, sticky, and glossy. For homemade or fresh meatballs, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Adjust the glaze consistency: If the glaze seems too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to let it reduce and thicken. If too thick, stir in a tablespoon of water or broth at a time until desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish using a slotted spoon. Spoon extra glaze over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sesame seeds if desired. Serve with toothpicks.

Notes

These meatballs taste even better the next day as flavors meld. Make ahead by refrigerating in the slow cooker insert overnight, then reheat on low for 1 hour before serving. For a spicier version, use half chili sauce and half salsa. If you don’t have a slow cooker, combine everything in a large pot and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, grape jelly meatballs, party meatballs, easy appetizer, game day food, crowd-pleaser, sweet and savory meatballs

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/easy-slow-cooker-party-meatballs-with-grape-jelly-glaze/