Holiday Spiced Grape Jelly Cocktail Meatballs
A cozy twist on a classic! These cocktail meatballs are sweet, tangy, and full of warm holiday spices—perfect for parties, potlucks, or festive snacking straight from the slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes (stovetop) or 2–5 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: Varies by method
- Yield: 6–8 appetizer servings
- Category: Appetizer, Party Food
- Method: Slow Cooker or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1½ lbs frozen or homemade meatballs
1 cup grape jelly
1 cup chili sauce (or substitute with ¾ cup ketchup + 1 tbsp vinegar)
Optional Holiday Spice Add-ins:
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground allspice
⅛ tsp ground cloves
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method:
Add meatballs to the slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix grape jelly, chili sauce, and any spices until smooth.
Pour sauce over meatballs, stir to coat evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop Method:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine grape jelly, chili sauce, and spices. Stir until smooth and bubbly.
Add meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through and coated in glaze.
Notes
Add a splash of orange juice or zest for brightness.
For spice, include red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Substitute cranberry sauce for a tart holiday version.
Use homemade meatballs (beef + pork mix) for richer flavor.
Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a main dish version.
