Tangy Grape-Chili Meatball Delight
These Tangy Grape-Chili Meatballs are a cherished staple in my household! Always making an appearance at office potlucks and family gatherings, these meatballs have a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that captivate everyone. Each year, my kids eagerly await New Year's Eve, because they know these delightful bites will be served. Easy to prepare in a Crockpot, they can also double as a hearty meal when paired with creamy mashed potatoes. Bring on the joy and the compliments!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Italian Style Meatballs
16 ounces (None needed, use directly from the bag.)
Grape Jelly
10 ounces (None needed, use directly from the jar.)
Chili Sauce
12 ounces (None needed, use directly from the jar.)
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed or from a bottle.)
Salt
to taste (Use as needed.)
Pepper
to taste (Use as needed.)
Instructions
1
Place the frozen Italian style meatballs in the Crockpot.
2
In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix together the grape jelly, chili sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the Crockpot, making sure they are evenly coated.
4
Cover and cook on low for about 2 hours.
5
After 2 hours, stir gently to ensure all meatballs are well-coated and let them simmer for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Grape-Chili Meatball Delight?
It is a sweet and savory appetizer made with frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce, popular for potlucks and family gatherings.
What are the main ingredients for this meatball recipe?
The ingredients include 16 ounces of frozen Italian style meatballs, 10 ounces of grape jelly, 12 ounces of chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Do I need to thaw the meatballs before cooking?
No, you can place the frozen Italian style meatballs directly into the Crockpot from the bag.
What kind of jelly is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of grape jelly, used directly from the jar.
What is the role of chili sauce in this dish?
The chili sauce provides a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the grape jelly for a perfect glaze.
How do I prepare the sauce mixture?
In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the grape jelly, chili sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined before pouring it over the meatballs.
What is the recommended cooking time in a Crockpot?
Cook the meatballs on low for 2 hours, then stir and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Can I serve these meatballs as a main meal?
Yes, while often served as an appetizer, they can be paired with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Is this recipe suitable for office potlucks?
Yes, these meatballs are described as a cherished staple for office potlucks and family gatherings.
Why is lemon juice added to the sauce?
Lemon juice adds a hint of acidity that enhances the tangy profile of the grape-chili glaze.
What type of meatballs should I buy?
The recipe specifies using 16 ounces of frozen Italian style meatballs.
Is this dish traditionally served on holidays?
Many families enjoy these meatballs as a traditional treat for New Year's Eve.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 6 ingredients: meatballs, grape jelly, chili sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe that is primarily prepared in a Crockpot with minimal prep work.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks and works well as an appetizer.
Do I need to stir the meatballs during cooking?
You should stir them gently after the initial 2 hours of cooking to ensure they are evenly coated for the final simmer.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed lemon juice or bottled juice.
Are these meatballs spicy?
They have a tangy kick from the chili sauce but are generally sweet and savory rather than overly spicy.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce becomes a thick, glossy glaze that coats the meatballs as it simmers in the Crockpot.
Can children enjoy this recipe?
Yes, the description mentions that kids eagerly await these meatballs every year.
How much chili sauce is required?
You will need 12 ounces of chili sauce for this recipe.
What preparation is needed for the jelly?
No special preparation is needed; simply use the grape jelly directly from the jar.
Can I double the recipe for a larger party?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as your Crockpot is large enough to hold them.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste according to your preference.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
The prep time is minimal as it involves mixing a few ingredients and letting the Crockpot do the work for 2.5 hours.
Can I use different types of frozen meatballs?
While Italian style is suggested, you could use beef or turkey meatballs as a substitute.
What makes this recipe a 'family favorite'?
Its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
Do I need to add water to the Crockpot?
No, the moisture from the frozen meatballs and the sauce ingredients is sufficient for cooking.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to let the meatballs simmer for 30 minutes after the initial 2-hour cook and stir.