Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs are a delicious appetizer made easy with slow cooking in a crockpot.
This is one of those recipes where the effort is so minor and the cooking so easy, that you will naturally wonder...could they really be any good? And the answer is yes, yes they are!
I was recently reminded of these Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs made in a Crockpot in a roundabout way. A friend of mine brought a crockpot of meatballs to one of the first get togethers held at my house for a couple of families on the street. We raved and they disappeared.
Over a period of several years, it was not only commonplace for Sherry to bring 'her meatballs' but it was almost insisted. And luckily she complied. They are easy so I would too; who doesn't want to make something easy to share that everyone loves?
Covid has taken a chunk out of my standard entertaining practices; both a holiday party and a summer barbecue, and I've been missing my friends and Sherry's meatballs. When I recently gathered with just Sherry and her family, I FINALLY asked for her secret recipe and was shocked at how easy they are to make.
I'll be sharing that version soon too but first, her recipe took me way back in time to this recipe for Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs that are made in a Crockpot. I admit, I have not made them in years and that's just wrong. Don't we all need those quick and dirty AND delicious dishes in our repertoire?
When I mentioned these to friends on Facebook, the response was funny...everyone remembered them, no one had made them in awhile, and I saw some variations I had not seen before. One friend said the recipe was in a Better Home & Gardens Cookbook from the late 70's.
I checked my copy that is even more antique and while these meatballs are not present, there is a very similar recipe for cocktail weiners. So old that it's hot dogs cut on the diagonal, not the little Smokies that I would use today!
Granted those books have some old recipes like those that I wouldn't touch. Jello salad? No thanks. But don't discount cookbooks without a slew of photos in them, they have some timeless choices.
I still make the Sour Cream and Bacon Potato Salad from my BHG cookbook and it's the best. My family also loves this Fresh Strawberry Pie from the same book. I've modified it a bit but it is still one they clamor for every spring. Old is not necessarily bad!
I made these according to the easy recipe which is frozen meatballs, a jar of Heinz Chili Sauce, and a jar of Smucker's Grape Jelly.
It's only three main ingredients...
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Meatballs. This recipe calls for frozen meatballs but of course you can make your own and cook them first. But seriously why would you? Give yourself a break and take the easy route, it's a big part of what makes this appetizer special. It's easy!
Costco, Trader Joe's, and Walmart all sell bags of frozen meatballs that are fine for this appetizer. I buy a big bag of 48 oz to make a lot, but halve it if that's too much for you. - Chili sauce. I'm not brand specific for a lot of things but I have always used Heinz chili sauce. It's just a bit more flavorful than ketchup with some additional spices and a little kick but it is not what I would consider hot.
- Grape jelly. I like Smuckers but it's just grape jelly, so brand is not important. You can actually substitute another flavor; I've seen suggestions for current jelly, strawberry, raspberry, or apple, and even cranberry sauce. I might have to try this next time with raspberry and some jalapeno, I love that combination!
One thing that has changed over the years though are my taste buds. The sauce was still good but a bit too sweet for me so I added a couple of spoonfuls of whole grain mustard and another spoonful of horseradish. It wasn't a lot but it was exactly what I needed. You can consider them optional but I wouldn't, let's call it an updated recipe, how's that?
Because I made this recipe to test the sauce with those additional ingredients, I didn't have a Super Bowl party in the mix at the time so I had a LOT of leftovers. I sent some to neighbors but still...I needed either a party or to eat them for dinner. I tried them on pasta but they were a bit too sweet and piquant for that.
Then I had a brainstorm. I've bought several jars of Momofuku Chili Crunch. It is the most amazing jar of crunchy chili oil. I use it to spice up Chinese food and eggs and burgers, and well, LOTS of things so wondered if it would help take my meatballs from appetizer to dinner. Oh my.
I topped some mashed potatoes with meatballs and drizzled everything with the Chili Crunch. Perfect. In case you have leftovers. Which you probably won't!
The Chili Crunch is out of stock but will be in production this month...get your name on their waitlist, you will not be sorry. This is not a sponsored promotion, I just LOVE the stuff!
Have you been looking for that easy appetizer for your Super Bowl Party or another type of gathering? This might be it!
More of my Favorite Appetizers for a Party!
Plus I have a ton of cocktails...I'm sure you can find something to your liking with one of my Friday Cocktails!
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