Easy Baby Shower Meatballs Recipe (2024)

Easy Classic Baby Shower Meatballs: The Perfect Party Appetizer

When it comes to hosting a baby shower or any special occasion, you want an appetizer that’s easy, delicious like these baby shower meatballs!

Enter the classic baby shower meatballs—an easy recipe featuring the irresistible combination of grape jelly and BBQ sauce. This tangy sauce pairs beautifully with Italian meatballs, cooked to perfection in your oven. It’s one of those favorite recipes that becomes the talk of the party! So, let’s dig into the details.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?
Absolutely! If you have a family-favorite meatball recipe, go ahead and make your own meatballs.

How long is the cook time?
For best results, cook the meatballs on a low setting for about 4-6 hours. A high setting could result in overcooked or dry meatballs.

Can I use other types of jelly?
Yes, you can experiment with apple jelly, apricot jelly, or even cranberry jelly for a seasonal twist.

Tips and Tricks

1. The Perfect Balance: For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the tangy barbecue sauce.
2. Meatball Varieties: You can also try turkey meatballs or even vegetarian meatballs.
3. Instant Pot Recipe: For those short on time, try making instant pot meatballs with the same ingredients.

Variations

1. Sweet Chili Sauce: Swap out BBQ sauce for sweet chili sauce for an Asian flair.
2. Heinz Chili Sauce: Replace grape jelly with Heinz chili sauce and brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile.

Origination

This grape jelly meatball recipe originates from the classic co*cktail or “sour” meatballs that were a staple at holiday parties and family gatherings. They were the perfect appetizer because they were quick to make and easy to eat. The grape jelly BBQ meatballs variation is an equally classic party appetizer that has a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Where to Serve

These are not just for baby showers but are also perfect for game day gatherings, holiday parties, or even as a main dish served in sub rolls.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them back into the slow cooker on the warm setting or heat on low heat on the stove.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

1. Overcooking: Make sure to monitor your oven. Overcooking could result in tough meatballs.
2. Uneven Cooking: If using frozen meatballs, ensure they are all of a similar size for even cooking.

Tips for Making This Recipe with Kids

1. Safety First: Teach them to stay away from hot surfaces like the crock pot or stove.
2. Get Them Involved: Kids can help by pouring the grape jelly and BBQ sauce into the oven.

Baby Show Meatballs Topping Options

1. Green Onions: A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a fresh burst of flavor.
2. Extra Sauce: Keep some extra sauce in small bowls for dipping.

Why This Recipe Works

The simplicity of this recipe lies in its basic ingredients—meatballs, grape jelly, and BBQ sauce. The grape jelly adds a sweet undertone, while the BBQ sauce brings tangy and smoky flavors, making for a delicious appetizer that hits all the right taste buds.

The slow-cooking process ensures that the meatballs are flavorful and tender, absorbing the grape jelly sauce’s richness.

So, whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or looking for a family meal that doubles as fantastic party food, these easy classic baby shower meatballs have got you covered!

What are some other amazing appetizer recipes to try?

• Easy Delicious Baked Mac and Cheese Bites Appetizer
• Easy and Delicious Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Recipe For Appetizers
• Easy Homemade Pizza Bagel Bites Recipe
• Easy Philly Cheesesteak Bites For Appetizers

Yield: 4-6

Easy Baby Shower Meatballs Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

These easy and delicious baby shower meatballs only require a few ingredients and is delicious!

Ingredients

• 34 Italian meatballs (frozen)
• 1 cup grape jelly
• 1 cup barbeque sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F
2. Place meatballs in a single layer in the baking dish
3. Add to pre heated oven
4. Melt grape jelly and barbeque sauce together in a saucepan over medium heat.
5. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn.
6. Once the grape jelly has fully melted (no clumps remain), retrieve meatballs from the oven and pour the sauce over them.
7. Return to the oven and let cook.
8. After 25 mins (from when it first went in the oven) stir the meatballs in the sauce.
9. Increase the heat to 425 and return to the oven for 5-7 mins
10. Remove and enjoy.

Notes

These can be made in a crock pot (on high for 2 hours). You will still need to melt the jelly and bbq sauce together before pouring into the crock pot.

If using a sweet barbecue sauce you can reduce the jelly by ¼ cup. Be sure to taste it before pouring on meatballs so the sauce isn’t too sweet.

See Also

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1
Amount Per ServingCalories 641Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 106mgSodium 1565mgCarbohydrates 59gFiber 4gSugar 41gProtein 24g

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