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    Recipes » Appetizers » Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

    Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

    Published: Apr 14, 2021 · Modified: Sep 22, 2022 by Kate Shungu · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Jump to Recipe
    close up of crockpot bbq meatballs.
    white bowl full of crockpot bbq meatballs.
    white bowl full of crockpot bbq meatballs.
    white bowl full of crockpot bbq meatballs.

    These easy bbq meatballs only have three ingredients: frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and bbq sauce. They’re the perfect party appetizer!

    hand picking up a meatballs with a toothpick from a white bowl full of crockpot bbq meatballs.

    I found this recipe for Crockpot BBQ Meatballs in my grandma’s recipe book, clipped from a newspaper.

    They’ve been a popular party appetizer since the 1960s, despite the one slightly unusual ingredient: grape jelly.

    But, it just works! The grape jelly is combined with bbq sauce, the bbq sauce provides just enough tanginess to offset the sweet jelly. And the meatballs are still savory, of course, though the glaze is slightly sweet.

    close up of crockpot bbq meatballs on a white platter.

    Similar to these Crockpot Little Smokies, the ease of the recipe is likely why they’ve continued to be popular through the years. You just dump everything in the crockpot and let it cook, and then take them out to serve them.

    All you need to add is toothpicks for your guests to grab them!

    This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support Gift of Hospitality at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to make bbq meatballs in a crockpot
    • FAQs
    • Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Related recipes

    Ingredients

    ingredients for crockpot meatballs on a white table.

    You just need 3 ingredients for this recipe:

    • Frozen meatballs—choose plain or “homestyle” meatballs. Avoid using Italian seasoned meatballs.
    • Grape jelly—any brand will do!
    • BBQ sauce—choose your favorite brand and flavor.

    You’ll also need a crockpot (slow cooker). This is the crockpot that I have—I love it!

    How to make bbq meatballs in a crockpot

    Place the frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and bbq sauce in a crockpot. Stir everything to combine.

    uncooked meatballs in a crockpot.

    Place the lid on and cook on high for 2 hours, or on low for 4 hours. After the meatballs are done cooking, you can set the crockpot to “warm” and keep them warm for several hours if needed.

    cooked meatballs covered in bbq sauce in a crockpot.

    The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. If desired, transfer the meatballs to a serving platter, top with chopped parsley for some color, and serve with toothpicks.

    You can also serve them straight out of the crockpot! I like using a slotted spoon for serving them.

    FAQs

    Can I make bbq meatballs in the oven?

    To make bbq meatballs without a crockpot, place the meatballs, grape jelly, and bbq sauce into an oven-safe dish, and stir to combine. Cover the dish with foil or an oven-safe lid, and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the meatballs are warmed through and the sauce is bubbling.

    How do I make gluten-free bbq meatballs?

    Chose frozen meatballs that are gluten free (such as Rosina gluten-free meatballs) and proceed with the recipe as directed. Be sure to check the label of the bbq sauce for any gluten. Most bbq sauces shouldn’t contain gluten, but it’s better to check to make sure!

    Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    There are many brands of dairy-free frozen meatballs. FarmRich is a popular brand, though there are plenty of others. Be sure to check the label—it will say “contains milk” if there is dairy in the meatballs. Most bbq sauces should not contain dairy, but check the label on that, too, just to be sure.

    hand picking up a meatballs from a white platter of bbq meatballs.

    Serving suggestions

    I love serving these meatballs as part of an appetizer spread. Similar to these Bacon Wrapped Meatballs, they’re casual enough for a football watching party, and fancy enough for a dinner party.

    For a casual party, you can serve the meatballs straight from the crockpot! It’s particularly handy to do this when guests are eating over the course of a few hours. Keep the crockpot set to warm, and let guests scoop their own with a slotted spoon. Homemade Dill Dip with cut-up veggies would be a great accompaniment.

    For a more upscale event, transfer the meatballs to a serving platter and serve with toothpicks to allow guests to get their own. You can also put them on a platter with toothpicks already stuck in them. I love the look of bamboo knot food picks or bamboo paddle food picks for serving.

    A Simple Cheese Board and Puff Pastry Appetizers with Goat Cheese & Jam would round out the spread nicely!

    Need more inspiration? Check out these 20 Recipes for Little Smokies!

    Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!


    cup of ambrosia and slice of banana cake.

    📖 Recipe

    hand picking up a meatballs with a toothpick from a white bowl full of crockpot bbq meatballs.

    Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

    Published by Kate
    Everyone will love this easy party appetizer!
    4.47 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 2 hrs
    Total Time 2 hrs 5 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 293 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 (20 oz) bag frozen meatballs
    • 1 cup bbq sauce
    • 1 cup grape jelly

    Instructions
     

    • Place all of the ingredients into a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
    • Cook on high for 2 hours, or on low for 4 hours. Serve warm.

    Notes

    Use your favorite brand of bbq sauce. I used Sweet Baby Ray’s. 
    Choose plain or “homestyle” meatballs for this recipe. Avoid Italian seasoned meatballs. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 293kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 336mgPotassium: 255mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 68IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword bbq meatballs, crockpot meatballs
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @giftofhospitality and let me know how you liked it!

    Related recipes

    • Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
    • Dill Dip with Sour Cream
    • Simple Cheese and Charcuterie Board
    • Puff Pastry Appetizers with Goat Cheese and Jam
    « Asian Cabbage Salad
    Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies »
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    About Kate

    I’m a believer, wife, mom, and big fan of old cookbooks. I live in Chicago with my husband and two young sons. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time! Read more...

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    Kate from Gift of HospitalityI’m Kate. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time. Learn more here
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