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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.
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.
Jelly Meatballs Crockpot Ingredients
- 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.
Then, whisk or stir to combine.
Step 12- Add the Meatballs – Place your meatballs (frozen or homemade) in the slow cooker and stir to coat in the jam mixture.
Step 3 – Slow Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–6 hours or. The meatballs will be heated through, and the sauce thickens into that irresistible sweet-and-spicy glaze.
Step 4 – Stir Before Serving: Give everything a good stir before serving, so the sauce coats evenly.
✨ 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
These sweet-and-spicy meatballs are a crowd favorite, but you can easily give them your own twist. Here are a few ideas:
- 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.
- Homemade or Store-Bought: Use your favorite frozen meatballs for a shortcut, or make your own from scratch if you have the time.
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.
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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!
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
Ingredients
- 32 ounce bag Meatballs - frozen, (about 50 meatballs)
- 12 ounces strawberry preserves - (jam or jelly)
- 12 ounces jalapeno pepper jelly
- 12 ounces BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Pour the strawberry jam, jalapeno pepper jelly, and BBQ Sauce into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Add frozen fully cooked meatballs and stir until evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or diced/sliced jalapenos or pickled/ candied jalapenos. Serve with toothpicks for a great appetizer, over garlic knots, or in Hawaiian rolls.
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Nutrition
Notes
- If you love spice, you can use a hotter pepper jelly or add a pinch of crushed red pepper to kick it up a notch.
- If you’re cooking for kids or folks who prefer things mild, stick with a milder jam and let the BBQ sauce shine.
- You can use preserves, jam, or jelly to preference.
- See the Variations and Flavor Combinations & Sauce Blend Ideas section below for lots of different ways to switch things up and create the flavor profile your family will love.
What a perfect game day treat!! My whole family loved these!
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to hear your family loved them—such a fun and easy game day favorite!
Would it matter to use Italian style meatballs? I have a bag in the freezer and would love to use them up, but don’t want to ruin the flavor.
It would be perfectly fine to use Italian Style.
This is my second Thanksgiving using this recipe. It is delicious! My husband and mother-in-law cannot get enough of these. Making a small batch for.dinner tonight with mashed potatoes and corn.
Thank you Tamara. They are so tasty. I love the sweet and the bite of the jalapeno together.
I love this strawberry jalapeno combination! I believe I would be satisfied with just a big bowl of these for dinner!
Thank you Shelby! I love anything strawberry and jalapeno! So yum!
I’ve never tried meatballs with strawberry jam. I love the idea.
Thank you Julie! I hope you enjoy them! Since I love all things strawberry, I had to change up the typical grape jelly meatballs! They are so easy and yummy 🙂
Is there much difference in the taste? Im going to try this
I think there is. This is one of our favorites.
Are they very spicy?
Not too spicy, just a touch. If you don’t want any spice you can omit the jalapeno jelly or lessen it. It will also depend on your jalapeno jelly and how hot it is. The one I had wasn’t overly hot.
first time making them but oh my it smells so delicious! can’t wait, eating with Hawaiian rolls.
If you cannot find jalapeño jelly can u add diced jalapeños.
That would work too!