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You are here: Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Crockpot Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs

Crockpot Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs

Appetizers

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4 Ingredient Crockpot Meatballs pin.

Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce are an easy appetizer made in the crock pot with only 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time. Serve them up on game day, at holiday parties, or potlucks where they are certain to be a crowd favorite.

These BBQ jelly meatballs are one of our favorite appetizers along with 3-ingredient crockpot little smokies, easy crockpot buffalo chicken dip, and slow cooker spinach artichoke dip.

Meatballs with grape jelly and bbq sauce on a plate with a single meatball picked up with a hand holding a tooth pick.

The taste of the sweet grape jelly combines with the BBQ sauce for a sweet and spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with the juicy meatballs. 

It’s the kind of great recipe that is always a big hit at parties and people will ask you to make and over again.

If you like crockpot meatball recipes, give my Swedish meatball recipe and  Coca-Cola meatball recipe a try as well.

Ingredients

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

And you need for the perfect appetizer is four simple ingredients and a crock pot. That’s it!

Frozen meatballs in crock pot and bowls of grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and cayenne pepper.
  • Meatballs – I recommend frozen meatballs because they make the recipe quick and easy but you can use homemade meatballs if you prefer. Turkey meatballs would work, too.
  • BBQ sauce – I use Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce but you can use your favorite brand.
  • Grape jelly – Smucker’s is our personal favorite but you can use any brand.
  • Cayenne pepper – adds extra heat. You can leave out or cut back on the cayenne pepper if desired.

How to make Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below. 

  1. Add the ingredients to the slow cooker and stir.
  2. Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours on high.
  3. Give it a stir then serve and enjoy
Frozen meatballs with grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and cayenne pepper in crockpot.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the slow cooker or in the microwave.

Recipe Tips

  • Once they are heated through, turn your slow cooker to the warm setting until ready to serve.
  • Make your slow cooker grape jelly meatballs the main course by serving them over rice or noodles.
  • You also don’t have to make a huge batch of these slow cooker meatballs every time. If you’re serving a smaller crowd you can easily halve the recipe.

Other Cooking Methods

Don’t have a crockpot? Or maybe you are in a hurry? Try one of these different ways to make bbq grape jelly meatballs.

Stovetop Method

  1. Add the grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and cayenne pepper to a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Whisk together.
  2. Add the frozen meatballs and stir to coat with the grape jelly sauce.
  3. Let the meatballs simmer, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 20-25 minutes).

Oven-Baked Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk to combine the grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the meatballs.
  2. Transfer to a casserole dish or Dutch oven. Cover and bake at 325 F for 30 minutes, or until meatballs are heated through.
Crockpot BBQ grape jelly meatballs served on a plate with toothpicks.

Recipe Variations

  • Add 2 Tablespoons of sriracha sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick.
  • Mix in about 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the crockpot for a tropical flair.
  • Replace the grape jelly with cranberry sauce for a tart and sweet variation, perfect for the holidays.
  • Replace the barbecue sauce with a 12-ounce bottle of Heinz Chili Sauce for a sweet and tangy sauce.

FAQ

Can I substitute another type of jelly or jam for grape jelly?

Certainly, any type of jam or jelly can be used for this grape jelly meatball recipe. The flavor profile will change, but the method remains the same.

Do I need to thaw the meatballs before adding them to the crockpot?

No, you can place the meatballs in the crockpot frozen. In fact, if you are using thawed meatballs you will likely have to cut down on the cooking time.

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen store-bought meatballs?

Yes, homemade meatballs can be used. If they are pre-cooked, follow the recipe as is. If they’re raw, ensure they’re cooked through during the slow cooking process, which might require additional time.

How can I tell if the meatballs are done?

If you’re using pre-cooked meatballs, you’re primarily heating them through and allowing them to absorb the sauce flavors. They should be hot in the center when done. If using raw homemade meatballs, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

More Easy Crockpot Recipes You Will Love

  • Crockpot Apple Butter
  • Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in the Crockpot
  • Crockpot Apple Cider
  • Crockpot Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken – only 5 ingredients!
Crockpot grape jelly and BBQ sauce meatballs served on a plate with a hand reaching in to lift a single meatball with a toothpick.

Crockpot BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs

Easy 4-ingredient slow cooker grape jelly meatballs make a perfect party appetizer for potlucks, parties, and BBQs.
4.69 from 67 votes

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Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours hours
Total Time: 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 25
Calories: 133kcal
Author: Jaclyn Shimmel
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Ingredients

  • 1 32-ounce bag frozen meatballs, fully cooked
  • 1 18-ounce bottle barbecue sauce
  • 1 18-ounce jar grape jelly
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper, optional

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a large crockpot and stir to mix well.
  • Cover and cook for 4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Stir once or twice while cooking, if possible.
  • Stir once more before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 2meatballs | Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 148IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.5mg

The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated by a third party and intended to serve as an estimate only. The accuracy of nutritional information is not guaranteed.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Please rate the recipe and leave a comment on the blog or share on social media and tag @crayonsandcravings!
4 ingredient crockpot meatballs pin.

This recipe was shared over on the Weekend Potluck and Meal Plan Monday.

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By Jaclyn Shimmel | 04/03/2018
Filed Under: Appetizers, Christmas, Game Day, Recipes, Slow Cooker Tagged With: Comfort Food

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Comments

  1. Debbie says

    09/06/2019 at 11:01 am

    https://bakedbroiledandbasted.com/20-winning-game-day-recipes/
    Thanks for sharing your fabulous recipe ..YUMM!!

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      12/29/2022 at 12:50 am

      made these using ketchup and no spices flakes on the meatballs. lt was 1980. good then, well received. want to try yours , sounds yummy.

      Reply
  2. Darlene Raines says

    12/29/2022 at 1:53 am

    I have used this recipe for years and it is always a hit. You never have to worry about what to do with leftovers, they’re won’t be any.

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    01/23/2023 at 5:51 pm

    my son makes these for his busy family. they love them.

    Reply
  4. Joe Bryant says

    03/06/2023 at 8:01 pm

    I have to try this recipe

    Reply
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