Whether you call them cocktail meatballs or grape jelly meatballs, thereโs one word for this recipe: delicious! Theyโre perfect for a party, with a sweet-and-spicy sauce thatโs totally irresistible.

Yes, this is that recipe! Youโve probably had cocktail meatballs before, and I bet you couldnโt eat just one. Even though these meatballs are packed with flavor, they couldnโt be easier to make. You only need three ingredients and the whole thing is made in the slow cooker, so itโs completely hands-off! If youโre looking for an easy party appetizer, this is the one to make!

Easy Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs
Cocktail meatballs are sweet, savory, and spicyโbut not too spicy, so donโt worry about that. When I make them for a party, I keep them right in the crockpot and set out a little jar of toothpicks next to them. Like I said, it doesnโt get much easier than cocktail meatballs!
This recipe is also known as grape jelly meatballs because theyโre made withโwait for it!โgrape jelly. If youโve had this recipe before, you know how good it tastes, but if you havenโt, youโll just have to trust me that somehow the combination of ingredients works. Itโs a little bit like a sweet and sour sauce!
(For another slow cooker meatball recipe, see my post on How to Make Frozen Meatballs in a Crockpot.)

Ingredients
- Grape jelly โ You donโt need anything fancy! Just a basic grape jelly is good.
- Heinz chili sauce โ Donโt try to substitute a hot sauce or something similar. You really need Heinz chili sauce!
- Frozen meatballs โ Any kind of meatballs you like will work. You can even make this recipe vegetarian with meatless meatballs. (Aldi has great ones!)

How to Make Cocktail Meatballs
1. Assemble
Combine the grape jelly and chili sauce in a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Fold in the meatballs and stir to coat.
2. Cook
Pour the meatball mixture into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.
How to Store Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight storage container and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. You can make a meal out of the leftovers by serving them over rice!

FAQ
What goes with cocktail meatballs?
I usually serve cocktail meatballs alongside other classic party appetizers like Veggie Pizza and Spinach Artichoke Dip.
How do you reheat cocktail meatballs?
You can reheat cocktail meatballs in a skillet on the stove or warm them up in the microwave.
Can you make cocktail meatballs ahead?
Since this recipe is so simple, you wonโt really save much time by making it ahead. Just assemble and start it 3 hours before your party and youโll be good to go!
More Classic Party Recipes

Cocktail Meatballs
Ingredients
- 16 ounces grape jelly
- 16 ounces chili sauce I like Heinz
- 32 ounces meatballs frozen
Instructions
- Mix grape jelly and chili sauce in mixing bowl until well combined, then stir in frozen meatballs until well coated.
- Add to slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
I only have Italian breadcrumbs. Will this work? I see posts about not using Italian meatballs
Was looking for easy appetizers and came across this. Made it for the first time for a Christmas party and it was a hit just like the add said. Super easy and the hit of the party no one believed me when I said grape jelly and ketchup. I definitely will make this again.
Been making these for years. Always a huge hit. You can also slice link sausage or cocktail weiners and use that instead.