**Unleash the Flavor with Grape Jelly Meatballs**
The aroma of juicy and sweet grape jelly meatballs from a slow cooker is enough to get anyone in the holiday spirit. Whether it’s a Thanksgiving celebration or a Christmas feast, these sticky and tangy cocktail meatballs are a must-have on the menu. The best part? They require just 3 simple ingredients to whip up a crowd-pleasing dish!
**What Makes Grape Jelly Meatballs So Good?**
– **3 ingredients:** Frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and ketchup come together to create a sticky and flavorful appetizer that is hard to resist. Feel free to experiment with seasonings and ingredient swaps to suit your taste.
– **Party-ready:** This recipe is made in a crock pot, allowing you to prepare a large batch with minimal effort. Perfect for holiday gatherings and parties.
– **Moist and full of flavor:** Slow cooking allows the meatballs to absorb all the sweet and tangy flavors of the grape jelly, resulting in a perfectly balanced appetizer.
**Ingredients You’ll Need**
1. **Ketchup**: Adds a tangy savoriness that complements the sweetness of the jelly. You can also use barbecue sauce or tomato paste with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
2. **Grape Jelly**: The star of the show, providing the sweet and tangy flavor to the meatballs.
3. **Meatballs**: Frozen meatballs work best for this recipe, whether store-bought or homemade with pork, chicken, or beef.
4. **Garlic Powder**: Adds an extra layer of flavor to the meatballs.
**What Can I Substitute for Grape Jelly?**
If grape jelly isn’t your preferred choice, you can try raspberry jelly, cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, marmalade, or hot pepper jelly as alternatives.
**How to Make Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs**
1. Whisk together the ketchup, grape jelly, and garlic powder in a crock pot.
2. Add the meatballs and coat them with the jelly mixture.
3. Cook on high for 4 hours, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
4. Serve the meatballs warm with toothpicks for easy snacking.
**Recipe Tips**
– Prepare the meatballs ahead of time for convenience.
– Add some heat by replacing ketchup with sweet chili sauce.
– For a vegetarian version, use frozen meatless meatballs.
– Experiment with different sauces like barbecue or teriyaki for a unique twist.
**What to Serve With Cocktail Meatballs**
– Sprinkle chopped parsley on the meatballs and serve with cocktail skewers.
– Pair them with festive finger foods like bacon and chives cheese balls, flaky pastry wreaths, or homemade pierogi.
**Storing and Reheating Leftover Meatballs**
– Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
– Reheat in the oven, stove, or microwave for a quick snack.
– Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.
**More Easy Appetizer Recipes**
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out other easy appetizer recipes for your next gathering. Including an easy pin for reference.
