Get ready to revolutionize your appetizer game with the most mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the tangy kick of BBQ sauce and the luscious sweetness of grape jelly! These BBQ and Grape Jelly Meatballs are not just a recipe; they're a flavor explosion that will transform your next gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs glazed in a perfectly balanced sauce that's both sweet and savory – a combination so addictive, your guests won't be able to stop at just one.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of BBQ sauce and 1 cup of grape jelly. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Take the frozen meatballs and add them to the bowl with the BBQ and grape jelly mixture. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated meatballs to a large baking dish or a slow cooker. If using a baking dish, make sure to spread the meatballs out in a single layer for even cooking.
- If you are using a baking dish, cover it tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the meatballs from drying out. If using a slow cooker, cover it with the lid.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 2 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 2 hours or until the meatballs are thoroughly heated.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven or slow cooker. If desired, you can garnish them with chopped parsley or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve the BBQ and grape jelly meatballs warm as an appetizer or main dish. They pair well with toothpicks for easy serving or can be served over rice for a heartier meal.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality frozen meatballs or homemade meatballs with a good fat content to keep them moist.
- Whisk the BBQ sauce and grape jelly thoroughly to create a smooth, even coating that will caramelize beautifully.
- If you're short on time, the slow cooker method is perfect for hands-off cooking and allows the flavors to meld together more intensely.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture.
- To prevent burning, stir the meatballs halfway through cooking and check the sauce consistency.
- These meatballs are versatile – serve them as an appetizer, over rice, or even in sub sandwiches for a delicious meal variation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
