Strawberry Jelly Meatballs

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s always a hit, these slow cooker jelly meatballs are it. My version keeps the classic sweet-and-spicy flavor everyone loves, but adds tested flavor combos, smart shortcuts, and make-ahead tips so you can serve them stress-free—whether it’s game day, a holiday buffet, or a busy weeknight.

A white bowl filled with strawberry jalapeno pepper jelly meatballs with a crock pot in the background.

why you’ll love this

Nikki in the kitchen with key lime tarts on the counter.

Jelly Meatballs are one of those dishes that have been around forever. I can remember my mom making a version of these crockpot jelly meatballs for church potlucks, football game watching, and family gatherings—and they were always the first thing to disappear. There’s just something about that sweet-and-spicy sauce, whether it’s classic grape jelly and chili sauce or a zesty pepper jelly BBQ blend, that keeps people coming back for more.

Over the years (and after more than 30 years of cooking for my own family), I’ve tested every shortcut, sauce swap, and serving style you can imagine—from frozen meatballs with smoky BBQ sauce to homemade meatballs simmered in tangy pepper jelly. I’ve gathered so many combinations and tips to share with you here. Whether you’re making them for a holiday buffet, game-day spread, or a quick weeknight dinner, this slow cooker version is easy, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Nikki

Nikki’s Top Tips Before You Start… (change this up to fit) Tested tips

Use the Right Size Slow Cooker: A 3.5 to 4-quart crockpot works best for this recipe. It gives the meatballs room to cook evenly and lets the sauce thicken just right. You can use a larger one, they may cook a little faster.
Don’t Skip the Stir: Halfway through cooking, give the meatballs a gentle stir to make sure every bite gets coated in that sweet-and-spicy sauce.
Balance the Sweet and Heat: Taste your sauce before adding it to the slow cooker. You can easily adjust with a little extra BBQ sauce for tang or more pepper jelly for spice.
Frozen Meatballs Are Just Fine: Don’t overthink it! Frozen meatballs work beautifully and make this recipe practically effortless.
Make Cleanup Easy: Line your slow cooker with a disposable liner or spray with nonstick cooking spray before adding everything in—it makes cleanup a breeze!
Taste and Tweak: Every brand of BBQ sauce or jelly has its own flavor personality, so trust your taste buds and make it your own.

Jelly Meatballs Crockpot Ingredients

A labeled image of ingredients needed to make jelly meatballs.

Meatballs: You can use frozen meatballs for a quick shortcut (I often do), or make your own for a from-scratch flavor. Beef, pork, turkey, or even chicken meatballs all work beautifully.
Preserves, Jam or Jelly: Strawberry Fruit preserves, jams, and jellies add sweetness and body to the sauce.
Jalapeño Pepper Jelly: This is the secret ingredient that gives the sauce its sweet heat. Use a mild version for subtle warmth, or opt for a hotter pepper jelly if your crew loves spicy food.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce that fits the flavor profile you want. A smoky sauce adds depth, while a sweeter one balances spice. We love KC Masterpiece for its smoky-sweet kick, and Kinders has some fun, flavorful options too.

How to Make the Best Crockpot Meatballs

Making these meatballs couldn’t be easier, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Here’s how to get the best results every time:

Step 1 – Pour in Jams and BBQ Sauce: Pour in the Strawberry Jam, jalapeño pepper jelly, and barbecue (or the combination of your choice).

Then, whisk or stir to combine.

Collage image of adding jellies and sauces to the crockpot.

Step 2- Add the Meatballs – Place your meatballs (frozen or homemade) in the slow cooker and stir to coat in the jam mixture.

Collage image of adding meatballs to the crockpot and stirring in the sauce to coat.

Step 3 – Slow Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours or on low for 4–6 hours. The meatballs will be heated through, and the sauce thickens into that irresistible sweet-and-spicy glaze.

I like to give them a stir about halfway through cooking.

Step 4 – Stir Before Serving: Give everything a good stir before serving, so the sauce coats evenly.

A serving spoons removing a scoop of pepper jelly meatballs.

Pro Tip: If you’re serving these at a party, leave the slow cooker on the warm setting. Guests can help themselves, and the meatballs stay saucy and delicious until the very last bite.

Pepper Jelly Meatballs Crockpot Variations

Sweet-and-spicy meatballs are a crowd favorite, but you can easily give them your own twist. Here are a few ideas:

Homemade or Store-Bought: Use your favorite frozen meatballs for a shortcut, or make your own from scratch if you have the time.
Extra Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or use a hotter pepper jelly for an extra spicy kick.
Savory Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire for a deeper, umami flavor.
Use Chili Sauce Instead of BBQ: If you prefer a tangier, slightly spicier sauce, swap the barbecue sauce for classic chili sauce. It gives the meatballs a zesty, old-school party flavor.
Vary Your BBQ Sauce: Switching up the barbecue sauce can completely change the flavor profile. We love KC Masterpiece for its rich, smoky-sweet taste with a little kick, and Kinders has some amazing flavors too. Choose your favorite—whether it’s sweet, spicy, tangy, or smoky.

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Flavor Combinations & Sauce Blend Ideas

You can mix and match jellies, jams, preserves, and sauces to fit your taste or the occasion. Just keep the total ounces of jellies and sauces the same so your meatballs stay perfectly saucy. Here are some delicious ideas to get you started:

Southern Strawberry Smoke: (My favorite combination and this original recipe) – Strawberry jam + pepper jelly + smoky BBQ sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
The Classic Crowd-Pleaser: Grape jelly + chili sauce for that nostalgic, sweet-tangy bite everyone knows and loves.
Peachy BBQ Bliss: Peach preserves + honey BBQ sauce for fruity warmth and a touch of honeyed sweetness.
Apricot Sweet Heat: Apricot jam + sweet chili sauce for a tangy, lightly spicy flavor with an Asian-inspired vibe.
Mango Heatwave: Mango jelly + spicy BBQ sauce for tropical sweetness with a bold kick.
Pepper Jelly Bourbon Smoke: Pepper jelly + bourbon BBQ sauce for a rich, smoky, and slightly boozy flavor (or add a splash of bourbon).
Raspberry Chipotle Kick: Raspberry preserves + chipotle BBQ sauce for a smoky-tart bite that’s perfect for grown-ups.
Hawaiian Teriyaki Pineapple: Pineapple preserves + teriyaki sauce for a sweet-savory island-inspired combo.
Apple Butter BBQ Comfort: Apple butter + sweet BBQ sauce for a cozy, fall-flavored twist.
Blackberry Balsamic BBQ: Blackberry preserves + balsamic BBQ sauce for deep, tangy sweetness.
Cherry Cola BBQ: Cherry preserves + cola-infused BBQ sauce for a sweet, fizzy undertone that’s irresistible.
Cranberry Holiday Special: Cranberry sauce + smoky BBQ for a festive flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Fig & Garlic BBQ: Fig preserves + roasted garlic BBQ sauce for an earthy, savory-sweet treat.
Orange Marmalade Sweet Heat: Orange marmalade + sweet chili sauce for a zesty, slightly spicy combo.
Blueberry Maple BBQ: Blueberry preserves + maple BBQ sauce for a breakfast-meets-barbecue fusion you’ll want to eat all day.

Recipe FAQs

What if I don’t have pepper jelly?

No worries! You can use any fruit jam or jelly—grape, strawberry, peach, or even apricot. It’ll still have that delicious sweet-and-savory flavor. To add a little spice, just add some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, chopped jalapenos, or diced green chiles.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully! Just make sure you use a large enough slow cooker so everything heats evenly, and give it a little extra time if needed.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the sauce and meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them overnight. When you’re ready, just pour everything into the crockpot and cook as directed.

Jelly meatballs served over rice in a white bowl.

How to Serve Jelly Meatballs

These little bites are as versatile as they are tasty, making them perfect for just about any occasion:

Appetizer Style: Keep them warm in the crockpot with toothpicks so guests can help themselves.
Game Day Favorite: Serve alongside sliders, dips, and other finger foods for the ultimate snack spread. Grab more Game Day Recipes here!
Dinner-Ready: Spoon over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles for a quick, satisfying meal.
Mini Sandwiches: Pile a few meatballs into slider buns, topped with extra sauce, for a handheld treat.
On Garlic Toast Knots: Nestle a meatball or two onto warm, buttery garlic knots for a fun and flavorful bite.
Party Platter: Pair with other crowd-pleasers like deviled eggs, cheese cubes, and veggie trays for easy entertaining.

However you serve them, make sure there’s plenty of sauce for dipping—nobody ever complains about too much sauce!

Pepper Jelly meatballs served on garlic knots.

Storing Pepper Jelly Meatballs

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (they go fast!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or zip-bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

These meatballs also make a great make-ahead party food—cook them a day ahead, then reheat in the crockpot before serving.

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Pepper Jelly Meatballs

Nikki Lee

4.83 from 29 votes

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These Slow Cooker Jelly Meatballs are a tried-and-true favorite—sweet, a little spicy, and full of flavor! Made with fruit jam, jalapeño pepper jelly, and barbecue sauce, they come together easily with frozen or homemade meatballs. Perfect for holidays, game day, or any time you need a simple crowd-pleaser!

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 2

Servings: meatballs

Ingredients

▢ 32 ounces frozen meatballs - (about 50 meatballs)
▢ 12 ounces strawberry preserves - (jam or jelly)
▢ 12 ounces jalapeno pepper jelly
▢ 12 ounces BBQ sauce

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