Description
Succulent Sweet & Tangy Party Meatballs dance with a luscious grape jelly bbq glaze, creating an irresistible crowd-pleasing appetizer. Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, you’ll want to serve these addictive bites at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Protein:
- 1 (32 ounces/907 grams) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)
Sauces and Glaze:
- 1 (18 ounces/510 grams) jar grape jelly
- 1 (18 ounces/510 grams) bottle BBQ sauce (hickory or smoky style)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant glaze by whisking grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a large saucepan until completely blended.
- Activate the sauce over medium heat, allowing it to develop a gentle, rolling bubble for maximum flavor infusion.
- Gently introduce frozen meatballs into the simmering glaze, ensuring each sphere is thoroughly and evenly coated.
- Reduce heat to low, covering the pan to trap moisture and enhance sauce penetration. Tenderly stir every 10 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Allow meatballs to simmer for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until they reach optimal temperature and acquire a glossy, caramelized exterior.
- Optional slow cooker method: Transfer ingredients and cook on low for 3-4 hours, which creates deeper flavor complexity.
- Just before serving, sprinkle finely chopped parsley for a fresh, verdant garnish that brightens the rich, sweet-tangy profile.
- Present warm, either skewered with toothpicks for easy party nibbling or nestled atop fluffy rice for a more substantial meal.
Notes
- Swap out grape jelly for other fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry to create unique flavor variations.
- Use homemade or pre-made meatballs depending on time constraints and personal preference.
- Reduce sauce’s sweetness by using a spicy BBQ sauce or adding a splash of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra kick.
- Prepare ahead by making the sauce and storing meatballs separately, then combining just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy appetizers.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes (or 3–4 hours in slow cooker)
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg