Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe For Party

Imagine the sweet and tangy flavors of grape jelly perfectly balanced with the savory goodness of meatballs, all in one delicious and easy-to-make appetizer. The moment these bite-sized treats hit your taste buds, the explosion of flavors will leave you wanting more. The aroma of freshly baked meatballs wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation.

What makes this Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe For Party a standout? It’s not just about throwing some ingredients together; it’s about understanding the chemistry behind why these flavors work so well. Check out our guide on Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe For Party to dive deeper into the science behind this recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of ground meats creates a tender and juicy texture, while the addition of breadcrumbs helps retain moisture.
The efficiency of using pre-made grape jelly and ketchup as the sauce base saves time without sacrificing flavor.
The balance of sweet and savory flavors from the grape jelly and the savory goodness of the meatballs creates an irresistible taste experience.

Key Ingredients

Choosing the right ingredients is crucial for this recipe. For the best results, select a high-quality ground meat with a good fat content to ensure juicy meatballs. Also, don’t skimp on the grape jelly; its sweetness is essential to balancing the dish. If you’re looking for more detailed guidance on selecting ingredients, consider consulting resources like Epicurious for expert advice.

Additionally, the type of breadcrumbs used can affect the texture of the meatballs. Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their lighter, airier texture, which helps keep the meatballs from becoming too dense.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe For Party

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)

1 egg

1/4 cup grape jelly

1/4 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.

Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the grape jelly, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, stirring occasionally.

Storage & Reheating

These Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs are perfect for parties because they can be made ahead and reheated when needed. After baking, let the meatballs cool completely on a wire rack. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the desired number of meatballs in a saucepan with a little of the grape jelly sauce and heat over low heat until warmed through. Serve hot and enjoy!