Oh, the holidays are a time for indulgence and chaos, a paradox of merry gatherings and frantic preparations. And what better way to embrace this delightful madness than with grape jelly meatballs? A curious concoction, I admit, but one bite and you’re transported to a world where sweet meets savory in a dance of unexpected harmony—perfect for those moments when guests arrive early, or maybe even uninvited, and you need a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is memorable.
Steps
- If you are making homemade meatballs, follow your meatball recipe to prepare and bake them accordingly. For a quicker option, use pre-cooked frozen meatballs.
- Place the meatballs into a small slow cooker. Add 1½ cups of ketchup and ¾ cup of grape jelly to the cooker with the meatballs.
- Stir the mixture to ensure the meatballs are well-coated with the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until the meatballs are heated through.
- If you’re in a hurry, cook the meatballs according to package or recipe instructions. Meanwhile, heat the ketchup and jelly in a saucepan over medium heat, simmering for one minute. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
- For variations, you can substitute grape jelly with apricot preserves, orange marmalade, or canned cranberry sauce. Swap ketchup with Heinz chili sauce or barbecue sauce for a different flavor.
- To store leftovers, place them in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until thoroughly heated.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of frozen fully cooked meatballs or 48 small homemade meatballs
- 1 ½ cups of ketchup
- ¾ cup of grape jelly
Nutritional Values
Calories: 292 | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 321mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 159IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones for Grape Jelly Meatballs?
- Yes, you can use homemade meatballs for this dish. Simply prepare and bake them according to your favorite meatball recipe before adding them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
- What can I substitute for grape jelly in the recipe?
- If you don’t have grape jelly, you can substitute it with apricot preserves, orange marmalade, canned cranberry sauce, raspberry preserves, or hot pepper jelly. These alternatives will maintain the sweet component needed for the sauce.
- Is it possible to prepare Grape Jelly Meatballs in advance?
- Absolutely! You can cook the meatballs the day before, store them in the fridge, and reheat them in the Crockpot the next day. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months for future use.
- How do I thicken the sauce for Grape Jelly Meatballs?
- The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir a small amount into the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
- What should I do if I want to make a larger batch of Grape Jelly Meatballs?
- For a larger batch, you can double the recipe if you have a bigger Crock Pot (6qt or larger). You can also add little smokies and cook them together with the meatballs for an extended variety.
Tips
- Consider preparing the meatballs a day in advance and storing them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, and you can easily reheat them in the slow cooker the next day.
- If you’re out of grape jelly, feel free to swap it with apricot preserves, cranberry sauce, or even raspberry preserves. These alternatives will still provide the sweet component needed for the sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, simply let the meatballs cool slightly with the lid off, or mix equal parts cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce to your liking.
- When serving at a party, keep the slow cooker on the warm setting and provide toothpicks nearby to make it easy for guests to serve themselves.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) – If you don’t already have one, a slow cooker is essential for this recipe to cook the meatballs slowly and evenly.
