Name: Cocktail Meatballs (Grape Jelly Meatballs) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 ounces frozen meatballs; 16 ounces grape jelly; 16 ounces Heinz chili sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 4 reviews

I absolutely adore making and sharing my Cocktail Meatballs (Grape Jelly Meatballs) Recipe because it’s a wildly simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer that never fails to impress. The sweet and tangy glaze paired with tender meatballs creates a perfect bite-sized flavor explosion that I find myself craving again and again. Whether I’m hosting a party or just want an easy snack to enjoy, this dish always hits the spot with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail Meatballs (Grape Jelly Meatballs) Recipe

From the very first time I made this recipe, I was hooked on its bold flavor profile. The combination of grape jelly and chili sauce creates a beautifully balanced glaze that’s both sweet and tangy, with just the right hint of spiciness. I love how the flavors meld together as the meatballs slowly cook, resulting in a rich and luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. It’s a taste that’s both nostalgic and unique, something that always sparks compliments at my gatherings.

What I find incredibly irresistible is how effortless this recipe is. I simply toss the ingredients into my slow cooker and let it do all the work while I focus on other things. There’s no need for complicated preparation or constant attention. This makes it ideal for busy days, weekend get-togethers, or even when I want to bring a guaranteed hit to potlucks. It’s such a standout appetizer because it looks delicious, tastes amazing, and takes almost no hands-on time, making it one of my all-time favorites to recommend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black slow cooker pot full of round meatballs covered in a shiny reddish-brown sauce. The meatballs are packed closely together, each one slightly textured and moist with glistening sauce that has small chunks and a sticky look. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, and a bottle with a red and white label is faintly visible behind the pot. The scene feels warm and inviting, focusing on the saucy, rich-coated meatballs inside the pot photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cocktail Meatballs (Grape Jelly Meatballs) Recipe lies in its simplicity, which is why the ingredients list is refreshingly short but so essential. Each component contributes uniquely to the texture, sweetness, and tang that define this dish’s signature flavor and appearance.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Grape jelly: The sweet base that gives the meatballs a glossy, sticky coating and a fruity kick.
Heinz chili sauce: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy depth that perfectly balances the sweetness of the jelly.
Frozen meatballs: The hearty star protein that soaks up all the delicious sauce while staying tender and juicy.

Directions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grape jelly and Heinz chili sauce. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and fully blended, which ensures an even coating on each meatball.

Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce mixture and gently toss until every meatball is thoroughly coated with the grape jelly and chili sauce combo. This step is key to making sure the flavors infuse well during cooking.

Step 3: Transfer the coated meatballs along with the sauce to your slow cooker. Set the cooker to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle heat allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become perfectly tender.

Step 4: Once cooked, give the meatballs a gentle stir to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed. Then, keep warm until you’re ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

This cocktail meatballs recipe yields about 12 servings, which makes it perfect for parties, family dinners, or gatherings. The prep time is incredibly short—about 5 minutes—because you simply mix and toss the ingredients. Cook time is approximately 4 hours on low in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to fully develop while freeing you up for other tasks. Total time comes to roughly 4 hours and 5 minutes, so it’s not a last-minute recipe but one that rewards you with rich, comforting flavor after some patient slow cooking.

How to Serve This Cocktail Meatballs (Grape Jelly Meatballs) Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a shiny, glazed meatball on a wooden skewer being held by a woman's hand, with the meatball having a reddish-brown color and visible small pieces of red and white ingredients embedded in it. The texture looks smooth and sticky with a glossy sauce coating it, while the background is blurred but suggests more meatballs with the same glaze. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I love to present these meatballs warm, straight from the slow cooker, nestled in a nice ceramic serving dish. Their shiny, sticky coating makes them look irresistible and ready to be devoured. I often garnish them with some freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and fresh aroma, elevating the presentation for guests.

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. I enjoy serving them alongside crispy toothpicks for easy party snacking, or paired with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a heartier meal. Another favorite is pairing them with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up all the luscious sauce. For drinks, I find a fruity red wine or a crisp light beer pairs beautifully, but if you’re hosting a family-friendly event, sparkling water with citrus slices or a fun lemonade works great too.

They’re perfect for any occasion—whether a laid-back weeknight appetizer, a holiday party showstopper, or a casual game day snack. I always recommend serving them hot or warm, as the sauce thickens and the flavors intensify deliciously when heated just right.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, if you want to add some spice, I sometimes mix in a little hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes alongside the chili sauce for an extra kick. If you prefer a gluten-free version, just be sure to select gluten-free meatballs and chili sauce.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can swap the meatballs for plant-based alternatives that cook well in a slow cooker. The grape jelly and chili sauce combo works just as beautifully with those. For a fresh twist, I’ve also experimented with adding a splash of soy sauce or Dijon mustard to the sauce, which adds an interesting umami depth without complicating the recipe.

Instead of using a slow cooker, you can also bake the mixture in a casserole dish covered with foil at 350°F for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. However, slow cooking remains my favorite method for that perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cocktail meatballs store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. I recommend using a glass or BPA-free plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to keep the flavors sealed in and prevent any fridge odors from mingling. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat until warmed through.

Freezing

This recipe freezes quite well, making it perfect for meal prep. To freeze, let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. They keep best for up to 3 months. When thawing, transfer them to the fridge overnight for best results before reheating gently.

Reheating

I prefer reheating these cocktail meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t burn and the meatballs warm evenly. You can also microwave them covered on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between. Avoid high heat reheating, which can dry them out or cause the sauce to separate. If reheated well, the sauce will still be wonderfully sticky, and the meatballs tender and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully if you prefer a fresh touch. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding the sauce and slow cooking so they absorb the flavors without becoming overcooked.

Is it okay to use a different type of jelly or sauce?

Yes, you can experiment with jams like cranberry or raspberry for a different flavor twist. Just note that grape jelly and chili sauce are traditional because they achieve the iconic sweet and tangy balance, but swapping can be a fun way to customize the recipe.

Can I make these meatballs on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

You can! Simply simmer the sauce and meatballs over low heat for about 30-45 minutes, stirring regularly until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce thickens. The slow cooker, however, adds deeper flavor and tender texture.

How spicy are the meatballs?

The spice level is mild thanks to the chili sauce, which provides tanginess and a subtle kick without being overpowering. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing a spicier chili sauce or adding hot sauce.

Can these meatballs be served cold or at room temperature?

While they’re best served warm to fully enjoy the sticky sauce, they can be served at room temperature if needed. However, chilling tends to thicken the sauce and may change the texture slightly.

Conclusion

I can confidently say this Cocktail Meatballs (Grape Jelly Meatballs) Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation because of its unbeatable flavor and simplicity. If you’re looking for a fuss-free appetizer that will wow your guests and keep everyone coming back for more, you absolutely have to give this one a try. It’s a little bit nostalgic, wholly delicious, and incredibly easy to make – trust me, you’ll want to make extras!