Cocktail Meatballs (Sweet & Savory Party Favorite)
These cocktail meatballs are juicy, tender, and coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce that makes them the ultimate party appetizer. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, game night, or just want a fun snack, these easy slow-cooker or oven-baked meatballs will steal the show.
The secret? A flavor-packed homemade meatball combined with a sticky grape jelly and BBQ sauce glaze that’s both sweet and savory. Make them ahead, freeze them, or serve them fresh—either way, they're guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
- ½ lb ground pork for extra juiciness!
- ½ cup breadcrumbs panko or plain
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup grape jelly
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce honey or smoky works best!
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat!
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Use your hands to gently mix until everything is well combined. Avoid over-mixing, or the meatballs will be tough.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 2️⃣ Cook the Meatballs
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Lightly grease the slow cooker.
- Place raw meatballs inside and cover with sauce (see next step).
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- 3️⃣ Make the Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine grape jelly, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir frequently until the sauce is smooth and bubbling (about 5 minutes).
- 4️⃣ Combine & Simmer
- Transfer the cooked meatballs into the saucepan (or pour the sauce into the slow cooker).
- Stir gently to coat each meatball in the rich, glossy sauce.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes on low heat until the flavors meld together beautifully.
- 5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy!
- Stick toothpicks in each meatball for the perfect party appetizer.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds for extra flair.
- Serve warm with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
✔ Want extra tender meatballs? Use ground pork for more fat and flavor.
✔ Need a healthier version? Swap ground pork for ground turkey or chicken.
✔ No grape jelly? Try apricot preserves, honey, or cranberry sauce instead.
✔ Want a smoky twist? Add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce!
✔ Need a healthier version? Swap ground pork for ground turkey or chicken.
✔ No grape jelly? Try apricot preserves, honey, or cranberry sauce instead.
✔ Want a smoky twist? Add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce!