If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Crock Pot Apple Jelly Meatballs are the ultimate choice! Made with a blend of sweet apple jelly and tangy chili sauce, these meatballs are sure to be the highlight of your game day, holiday gathering, or any celebration. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients:
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen meatballs (about 50 meatballs)
1 cup apple jelly
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup chili sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
Prepare the Sauce: In your crockpot, combine the apple jelly, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs into the sauce mixture and stir gently to coat each meatball evenly with the sauce.
Cook the Meatballs: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs are ready when they are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
Serve and Garnish: Once the meatballs are done, garnish them with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Keep Them Warm: If you’re serving the meatballs at a party or gathering, consider using a slow cooker with a “keep warm” setting to ensure they stay hot throughout the event.
Pair with Sides: These meatballs are versatile and can be paired with sides like crusty bread, fresh vegetables, or a simple salad to make them a more substantial meal.
Garnish: Add a pop of color and flavor by garnishing the meatballs with fresh chopped parsley or green onions. This adds a fresh contrast to the rich, sweet sauce.
Serving Style: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking, or keep them in the crockpot and let guests serve themselves with a spoon.
Make Them into Sliders: For a fun twist, serve the meatballs on slider buns with a little extra sauce for a mini sandwich-style appetizer.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Leftover Crock Pot Apple Jelly Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to allow them to cool completely before storing.
Freezing: These meatballs freeze well. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator, then warm them up in the crockpot on low for 2-3 hours or in a stovetop pot over medium heat. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quicker option, though they might not stay as saucy.
Freezing Sauce Separately: If you have extra sauce, you can freeze it separately from the meatballs. This will allow you to use the sauce for other meals later, such as glazing chicken or as a dipping sauce for other appetizers.
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FAQs:
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can absolutely use homemade meatballs in this recipe. Just make sure they are cooked through before adding them to the sauce mixture. If using raw homemade meatballs, you’ll need to cook them longer in the crockpot (around 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I make Crock Pot Apple Jelly Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! These meatballs are perfect for prepping in advance. You can make them up to 2 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in the crockpot on low for 1-2 hours before serving, or microwave them for a quicker option.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce?
Absolutely! You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less apple jelly, depending on how sweet you like it. For a spicier version, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce to the chili sauce mixture.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover Crock Pot Apple Jelly Meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Be sure to let them cool before storing, and reheat them thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion:
These apple jelly meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The combination of apple jelly and chili sauce gives them a unique and flavorful twist that will make them a hit at your next gathering.So, next time you need a simple, tasty appetizer, give these Crock Pot Apple Jelly Meatballs a try. They’re easy, delicious, and guaranteed to disappear quickly!
📖 Recipe:
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Crock Pot Apple Jelly Meatballs
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Crock Pot Apple Jelly Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Made with a simple blend of apple jelly and chili sauce, they deliver a flavorful twist on the classic meatball appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a game day, holiday gathering, or party, these easy-to-make meatballs are a crowd favorite that are sure to impress. With only five minutes of prep time and a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen meatballs (about 50 meatballs)
1 cup apple jelly
1 cup chili sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a crockpot, combine apple jelly, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce mixture and stir to coat each meatball evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving (optional).
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of spice.
Feel free to use homemade meatballs if preferred, just be sure they are cooked before adding to the sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
These meatballs make great sliders when served on small buns with extra sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
- Category: Appetizers, Party Food, Game Day Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal
