These BBQ grape jelly meatballs are a fun and tasty dish! Made with juicy meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy grape jelly BBQ sauce, they are perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Everyone loves these bite-sized treats at parties! I can’t help but snag a few to munch on while chatting with friends—totally guilt-free, right? 😄
Making them is simple! Just mix, cook, and enjoy. I often serve them on toothpicks for easy eating. They’re sure to be a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: You can use either ground beef or turkey. For a leaner option, turkey is great, but beef adds a richer flavor. If you’re looking for something different, try ground chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work perfectly, but you can use panko for extra crispness. For a gluten-free option, substitute with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Grape Jelly: This gives the meatballs their signature sweetness. If you prefer, you can substitute with other fruit preserves, like apricot or raspberry, for a different flavor twist.
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce is great, but homemade adds a personal touch. Experiment with flavors; a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce can elevate the dish even more!
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have fresh onion, onion powder works as a quick substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon for each onion.
How Can I Make Perfect Meatballs Every Time?
Shaping meatballs can be tricky, but here are my personal tips to get it just right:
- Mix Carefully: Combine the ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Uniform Size: Aim for meatballs around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for consistent cooking. Use a cookie scoop or just your hands for evenly shaped meatballs.
- Don’t Skip the Baking: Baking gives them a nice brown color and helps them hold their shape. Make sure they’re cooked to 160°F (71°C) for ground beef or turkey.
After baking, tossing them in the sauce lets them soak up that sweet and tangy goodness. Enjoy making these delightful meatballs!
BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 35-40 minutes total, including baking and simmering the meatballs in the sauce. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for those delicious meatballs.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, beaten egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked through and nicely browned. You can check doneness by cutting one open; it should not be pink inside.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, get started on the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together the grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Stir continuously until the jelly has melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Once your meatballs are done, transfer them to a large skillet or a slow cooker. Pour the grape jelly BBQ sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are all coated evenly.
7. Simmer the Meatballs:
Let the meatballs cook in the sauce over low heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will let the flavors blend together beautifully, making them extra tasty!
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color. Serve these warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or enjoy them as a main dish alongside rice or mashed potatoes.
Enjoy these sweet and tangy BBQ grape jelly meatballs, a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen meatballs! Just bake them according to the package instructions before adding them to the sauce. If using homemade frozen meatballs, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before cooking in the sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Grape Jelly?
No worries! You can substitute grape jelly with other fruit jams or preserves like apricot, raspberry, or peach. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make These Meatballs in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! You can combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Just skip the baking step, and let the slow cooker do the work!
