These easy cocktail meatballs are a great appetizer! Just 3 ingredients and you’ve got the hit of the party!
Do you have any party food that is always a hit? These delicious and easy party meatballs are perfect for any occasion and just the thing to get your guests talking.
Our cocktail meatballs recipe is perfect for potlucks, special occasions, holiday parties, Christmas Eve, game day parties and more.
This is a great recipe that will leave you with leftovers, so they are the perfect thing to bring to your next party.
When you are planning a party, it can be hard to find the right kind of dish for your guests. You want something that is filling and tasty, but not too heavy or complicated. I’ve got just the answer!
This delicious meatball recipe is the perfect appetizer or for a simple dinner use it as your main dish with some mashed potatoes.
These party meatballs are perfect for appetizers or finger foods. They’re only 3 ingredients and they’re quick to make! Everyone loves their great flavor thanks to the tangy sauce.
These BBQ Meatballs are great served alongside little smokies, a cheese platter and other delicious appetizers.
These meatballs are subtly spicy. If you’re like me and don’t really want a kick, omit the hot sauce. Or if you’re more adventurous and love it fiery, add in some extra!
Keep in mind, this recipe is more along the lines of sweet and sour meatballs as opposed to Italian meatballs. If you choose to use frozen homemade meatballs, you want them to be small meatballs, along the lines of the size in swedish meatballs.
The best part about this recipe is that you’ll get plenty of compliments on these appetizers, so be prepared!
How to Make This Easy Recipe for Cocktail Meatballs
Be sure to scroll down to get the full, printable recipe.
You’ll need:
- 32oz bag of frozen meatballs
- 18oz Grape Jelly
- 12 oz your favorite barbecue sauce
- optional: 6 oz of your favorite hot sauce or another type of spicy sauce
Place meatballs in a dutch oven or large sauce pot.
Now make your grape jelly sauce by mixing together the jelly, BBQ sauce and hot sauce (if using).
Pour your sauce ingredients over the tender meatballs.
Cook over medium heat and bring sauce to a boil. Reduce to low heat and simmer.
Cook for 35-40 minutes. Serve hot.
The crock pot is a great way to make this family favorite! Cook your crockpot meatballs on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. The best way to serve your slow cooker meatballs is in the crock on the warm setting.
There are so many simple ingredients that would be a great option here.
Pepper Jelly, Apple Jelly or Cranberry Sauce
Heinz Chili Sauce in place of the BBQ sauce
You can also substitute with turkey meatballs if you choose.
Store in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or a frying pan. We love to use leftovers for easy school lunches in a thermos.
Easy Cocktail Party Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 32oz bag of frozen meatballs
- 18oz Grape Jelly
- 12 oz your favorite BBQ Sauce
- 6 oz of your favorite hot sauce
Instructions
- Place the meatballs in a large pot.
- Add the jelly, BBQ sauce and hot sauce.
- Bring the meatballs and sauce to a boil. Reduce to medium-high heat.
- Cook for 35-40 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
These meatballs are mildly spicy. If you are like me and don't really like a kick, omit the hot sauce. Or if you love a kick, add more hot sauce!
Can I Use Different Sauces to Make the Cocktail Meatballs Sauce?
There are so many simple ingredients that would be a great option here.
Pepper Jelly, Apple Jelly or Cranberry Sauce
Heinz Chili Sauce in place of the BBQ sauce
You can also substitute with turkey meatballs if you choose.
How do I Make Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
The crock pot is a great way to make this family favorite! Cook your crockpot meatballs on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. The best way to serve your slow cooker meatballs is in the crock on the warm setting.
How to Store This Cocktail Meatball Recipe
Store in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or a frying pan. We love to use leftovers for easy school lunches in a thermos.
Kim Beaulieu
Thursday 28th of October 2021
These meatballs look so good. I love how easy they are to make.
Linda Manns Linneman
Friday 24th of November 2017
I love meat balls. These sound so good. I can't wait to try these out. Thank you for sharing
Laura Unger
Thursday 23rd of November 2017
This post is making me hungry. My stepdad always puts grape jelly in his meatballs and the first time I heard him talk about the recipe I thought he was crazy! It's so good, though!
Karley Moore
Tuesday 21st of November 2017
I'm definitely going to make these soon.
Lynne B
Monday 20th of November 2017
The first time I tried meatballs like this, I was so surprised one of the ingredients was grape jelly! I love that you added cayenne. I bet it nicely balances the sweet and savory.