Meatball Appetizers: Perfect Party Recipe
Party Favorite Appetizers.
Sweet, savory, and impossibly easy party meatballs simmered in a classic grape jelly and chili sauce. An absolute crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
I first had these at a neighborhood potluck years ago. I was so taken with them, I think I stood by the slow cooker most of the afternoon. When I found out the sauce was just two simple ingredients, I almost didn’t believe it. It felt too easy! But since then, this has become my signature dish to bring to gatherings. It’s a little piece of that warm, friendly party, and sharing it just feels right. It’s proof that the best things are often the simplest.
Why This Recipe Just Works
- •It’s wonderfully hands-off. Just set it and forget it in the slow cooker.
- •The sweet and tangy flavor is a classic for a reason—it’s addictive!
- •With only 3 ingredients, it's perfect for last-minute party planning.
- •It makes the whole house smell warm and inviting.
- •Honestly, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser. I’ve never seen leftovers.
- •It’s so easy to double or triple for a larger crowd.
Wow, these are a total hit. My friend called me the day after our game night just to ask for the recipe. She said, 'I'm not kidding, I dreamt about those meatballs!' It’s so nice to make something that people genuinely love and remember.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Frozen Cooked Meatballs: This is all about ease. Using pre-cooked frozen meatballs saves so much time. I like to use all-beef ones, but a beef and lamb mix is also lovely. Just grab your favorite brand.
- Chili Sauce: Look for the kind in a glass bottle, usually near the ketchup. It has a tangy, slightly spicy flavor that's just perfect. It’s not the same as sriracha or Asian sweet chili sauce.
- Grape Jelly: Any standard grape jelly works beautifully. It provides the sweetness that balances the tangy chili sauce. It sounds odd, I know, but it creates this magical, savory-sweet glaze.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, grab a medium bowl.
- Empty the entire jar of chili sauce into the bowl.
- Then, spoon in the entire jar of grape jelly.
- Whisk them together until you have a smooth, uniform sauce. It’s that simple.
- Place your frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker.
- Pour your beautiful sauce mixture right over the top.
- Use a spatula to gently fold everything together, making sure every meatball is coated.
- Set the lid on, turn it to LOW, and walk away for a few hours. The magic happens all on its own.
- Once they’re hot and bubbly, switch your slow cooker to the 'WARM' setting.
- Set out a little dish of toothpicks right beside it.
- For a finished look, a sprinkle of fresh green herbs or toasted seeds looks so nice against the dark, glossy sauce.
A Few Common Questions
→Can I make these on the stovetop?
Yes, absolutely. Combine the sauce and meatballs in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through.
→Does it have to be grape jelly?
Grape is the classic, but you can definitely experiment. Apricot preserves or apple jelly would also be delicious and give a slightly different flavor profile.
→Can I use homemade meatballs?
Of course! If you have a favorite homemade meatball recipe, feel free to use them. Just be sure to bake or pan-fry them until they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker with the sauce.
→Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all. The chili sauce provides more of a tangy, savory flavor than heat. It's very family-friendly. If you wanted a little kick, a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes would be a nice addition.
Meatball Appetizers: Perfect Party Recipe
Meatball appetizers are always a hit! This recipe offers easy and delicious meatball recipes perfect for parties, game day, or any gathering.
Timing
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
2-3 hours
Total Time
2 hours 5 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 011 (32 oz) bag frozen, fully cooked beef meatballs
- 021 (12 oz) jar chili sauce (like Heinz)
- 031 (18 oz) jar grape jelly
Optional Garnish
- 011 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 022 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions
Instructions
Find your slow cooker. A 4-quart size is perfect for this. Give it a light spray with cooking spray if you like, for easier cleanup.
In a small bowl, stir together the entire jar of chili sauce and the entire jar of grape jelly until they're well combined. It might look a little strange at first, but just trust the process.
Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker in an even layer.
Pour the grape jelly and chili sauce mixture over the meatballs. Gently stir everything together so each meatball gets a nice coating of that lovely sauce.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
Give it one last gentle stir before serving. You can set the slow cooker to the 'WARM' setting to keep them perfect throughout your party.
If you're feeling a little fancy, sprinkle with some toasted sesame seeds and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the compliments!
Notes & Tips
- 1This recipe is so easy to scale. For a very large crowd, just use two slow cookers!
- 2Turkey or chicken meatballs also work well if you prefer them over beef.
Tools You'll Need
- •Use a slow cooker liner for the easiest cleanup you can imagine.
- •Give the meatballs a gentle stir once or twice while cooking to prevent the sauce from scorching on the sides.
- •If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out slightly.
- •Don't be tempted to cook them on high for too long. Low and slow is the best way to let the flavors meld.