These 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Meatballs Will Be the Stars of Your Holiday Party

Growing up in the South, Sundays were always the best day for food. Whether I was eating my grandmother’s pot roast, the Ryan’s buffet, or a church potluck, I knew the food was going to be amazing. And when the holidays rolled around, I’d see even more new-to-me foods on the church potluck table, like ambrosia salad, potato candy, and these classic slow cooker cocktail meatballs. 

I remember the exact moment I bit into one of these caramelized, rich, and savory meatballs because I had never tasted anything quite like it. They are sweet, tangy, and smoky, and I guarantee someone will ask you for the recipe when you make them. This holiday appetizer is slow-cooked in the crock pot with store-bought frozen meatballs, barbecue sauce, and grape jelly—that’s it! I serve them as an appetizer for holiday parties or as a main for dinner. You’re only two hours and three ingredients away from an unforgettable Christmas party contribution. 

Key Ingredients

These glazed cocktail meatballs, also called grape jelly meatballs, are made with just frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and barbecue sauce. Because there are only three ingredients, it’s important to choose the right brands. I prefer the Rosina brand of frozen meatballs because they are rich and well-balanced since they’re made from beef, pork, and chicken. And when it comes to grape jelly, I’m pretty loyal to the nostalgic, tangy, sweet flavor profile and texture of Smucker’s. Other grape jellies can be runny or clumpy, but Smucker’s never lets me down.

My go-to barbecue sauce is Kraft Hickory Smoke because it has the perfect sweet, tangy combo with extra smoky flavor that complements the meatballs well. 

Can You Make Cocktail Meatballs Ahead of Time?

I always get my crock pot cocktail meatballs started an hour ahead of time, then allow them to stay on the “warm” setting until I serve them throughout a gathering. Guests can scoop a few out of the slow cooker onto a plate while the rest stay warm. Just don’t leave food in a crockpot on the “warm” setting for longer than 4 hours to ensure food safety.

Tips For Making Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs

• Combine the grape jelly and barbecue sauce before adding the meatballs to make stirring easier.
• Choose high-quality frozen meatballs for the best overall taste and texture.
• You can easily double the recipe for larger parties by doubling each ingredient. 
• To balance out some of the sweetness, a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper on top of the finished meatballs can bring a bit of heat and spice.

How to Make My Slow Cooker Glazed Cocktail Meatballs

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours

To make 16 servings (48 to 50 meatballs), you’ll need:

• 1 (12-ounce) jar Smucker’s Concord grape jelly
• 1 (17.5-ounce) bottle Kraft Hickory Smoke Barbecue sauce (or your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce)
• 1 (26 to 32-ounce) bag frozen meatballs (such as Rosina Homestyle Meatballs)

In the slow cooker insert, combine the grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Stir well with a rubber spatula until fully combined. Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce and stir until the meatballs are fully coated. Cook, stirring once halfway through, until the meatballs are heated through and well coated with sauce, 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low. 

After cooking, set the slow cooker to “warm.” Serve with a large spoon for folks to scoop the meatballs out, and toothpicks for picking them up.

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow the meatballs to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in 15-second increments in the microwave until warmed through.

Easy Variations

This recipe is great as-is, but you can get creative with flavors, too. Don’t be afraid to try your favorite barbecue sauce with these meatballs to make them your own. This Kansas City Barbecue Sauce has apple juice and a great hit of spice that works especially well during the holidays. You can also try different jelly flavors, like apple, cranberry sauce for an extra note of Thanksgiving and Christmas flavors, or apricot for summertime. 

Serving Suggestions

Whether I’m serving them with a holiday party spread, at a tailgate, or for a simple meal at home, these glazed meatballs pair well with an endless number of dishes. For parties, I like serving these alongside some Buffalo chicken dip, Frito pie, and a platter of deviled eggs.

If we’re eating them at home as a meal, I will serve them with some garlic mashed potatoes and bright and fresh green beans. And because all party food deserves a great dessert, I often serve either some 3-ingredient brownies or a classic pecan pie with a warm cup of coffee to finish out the meal. 

More Holiday Appetizers To Try

• 3-Ingredient Sausage Puffs
• Classic Cheese Ball
• 5-Minute Chutney Cheese Appetizer
• Crash Hot Potatoes with Smoked Salmon