I buy a big bag of 48 oz to make a lot, but halve it if that’s too much for you. It’s easy!Ĭostco, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart all sell bags of frozen meatballs that are fine for this appetizer. But seriously why would you? Give yourself a break and take the easy route, it’s a big part of what makes this appetizer special. This recipe calls for frozen meatballs but of course you can make your own and cook them first. I made these according to the easy recipe which is frozen meatballs, a jar of Heinz Chili Sauce, and a jar of Smucker’s Grape Jelly. I’ve modified it a bit but it is still one they clamor for every spring. My family also loves this Fresh Strawberry Pie from the same book. I still make the Sour Cream and Bacon Potato Salad from my BHG cookbook and it’s the best. But don’t discount cookbooks without a slew of photos in them, they have some timeless choices. Granted those books have some old recipes like those that I wouldn’t touch. So old that it’s hot dogs cut on the diagonal, not the little Smokies that I would use today! I checked my copy that is even more antique and while these meatballs are not present, there is a very similar recipe for cocktail weiners. One friend said the recipe was in a Better Home & Gardens Cookbook from the late 70’s. When I mentioned these to friends on Facebook, the response was funny…everyone remembered them, no one had made them in awhile, and I saw some variations I had not seen before. Don’t we all need those quick and dirty AND delicious dishes in our repertoire? I admit, I have not made them in years and that’s just wrong. I’ll be sharing that version soon too but first, her recipe took me way back in time to this recipe for Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs that are made in a Crockpot.

When I recently gathered with just Sherry and her family, I FINALLY asked for her secret recipe and was shocked at how easy they are to make. They are easy so I would too who doesn’t want to make something easy to share that everyone loves?Ĭovid has taken a chunk out of my standard entertaining practices both a holiday party and a summer barbecue, and I’ve been missing my friends and Sherry’s meatballs.

Over a period of several years, it was not only commonplace for Sherry to bring ‘her meatballs’ but it was almost insisted. A friend of mine brought a crockpot of meatballs to one of the first get togethers held at my house for a couple of families on the street. I was recently reminded of these Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs made in a Crockpot in a roundabout way. This is one of those recipes where the effort is so minor and the cooking so easy, that you will naturally wonder…could they really be any good? And the answer is yes, yes they are!

Meatballs with grape jelly