These Grape Jelly Chili Sauce Meatballs make the perfect easy party appetizer, just add 3 ingredients to the slow cooker, wait 2 hours, and serve!
They’re the perfect appetizer for any party occasion: New Year’s, football games, Christmas, 4th of July and more. I like to serve mine themed for the occasion by placing the slow cooker next to a cup of themed skewers/party picks. Or on a dish with skewers added for easy serving.
Easy, Adjustable 3-Ingredient Appetizer
This recipe requires only three ingredients: chili sauce, grape jelly, and frozen meatballs. Due to the flexible nature of this recipe, while the recipe below has specific size recommendations, it does not need to be exact. If you use a few ounces more or less of any ingredient, it’ll still taste amazing!
How to Make Grape Jelly Chili Sauce Meatballs
This recipe could not be easier! Just add all ingredients to a slow cooker. See recipe below for more information on cook times.
Thickening
When looking at recipes online for inspiration, I found most variations of grape jelly meatballs as well as chili meatballs, came out with a very runny sauce. Another popular party recipe is barbecue meatballs and because of the texture of this similar recipe, as well as the difficulty of serving a recipe with a runny sauce, I recommend thickening your Grape Jelly Chili Meatballs!
To do this, mix 4 teaspoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water in a small dish. Slowly stir this slurry into your slow cooker of meatballs to thicken the sauce. The sauce will thicken a little more as it sits/cools down as well.
How to Serve These Meatballs
Serve your meatballs in the slow cooker on warm or allow them to cool just a tiny bit (to help thicken) and serve in a large white bowl. I like to serve this is a party recipe, so it’s helpful to serve with both a large spoon and next to a small cup of your favorite party picks/skewers.
Substitutions and Variations
There are very minimal recommendations for variations in the recipe, since there are so few ingredients. If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can substitute in arrowroot powder.
For party meatballs, some may prefer more of a cranberry or barbecue type sauce. For this, I’d recommend using a recipe specifically written for that, due to the differences in consistency. For a slightly different fruit flavor in this recipe, other flavors of jelly can be substituted for the grape: cherry, peach, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Most of the meatballs sold in the store are not gluten free. However, due to the widespread availability of gluten free products, most grocery stores now carry a gluten free option next to the regular frozen meatballs. This option works great – I used Rosina® Gluten Free Meatballs in mine.
Yes, warm meatballs in a large frying pan for 10-15 minutes or until hot. Add chili sauce and grape jelly and continue to heat for an additional 5-10 minutes. Thicken sauce as directed in the recipe.
Yes, allow them + the sauce to fully cool first. Freeze for 3 months maximum.
You can if you’d prefer, but they may be more likely to break apart in the slow cooker.
Yes, if desired, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or sriracha.
More Easier Gluten Free Party Recipes
If you love this easy party recipe, you may also love these healthier favorites:
- Easy Gluten Free Pigs in a Blanket
- Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo, Whole 30, Keto)
Here’s to easier and healthier entertaining and regaining our sparkle together,
✧❈✯✦Jenn✦✯❈✧
Grape Jelly Chili Sauce Meatballs
Ingredients
- 12 ounce jar chili sauce (about 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons)
- ¾ cup grape jelly (about 10 ounces)
- 28-32 ounce bag of frozen meatballs* (about 60 meatballs), I use frozen gluten free meatballs
Optional Thickener
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a slow cooker.
- Cook for 1½-2 hours on the high setting or 3-4 hours on the low setting.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water in a bowl. Slowly stir into slow cooker to thicken sauce. Serve on warm.
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