Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs

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Slow Cooker Strawberry Jalapeño BBQ Meatballs cooked in the crockpot with Jalapeno Pepper Jelly, Strawberry Jam, and BBQ sauce to create a rich and tasty appetizer perfect for any party!

A few simple ingredients that are literally thrown in the slow cooker given a stir and let magic happen.

These are always a hit and a little spin off of the tradition grape jelly and BBQ or chili sauce recipe.  I love the sweetness of the strawberry jam and a little heat of the Jalapeno Pepper Jelly combined with your favorite BBQ Sauce!

They are perfect for any party and are always a hit! They get gobbled up in a hurry!

Jelly Meatballs Crockpot Ingredients

• Frozen Meatballs
• Strawberry Jam
• Jalapeno Pepper Jelly
• BBQ Sauce

How to Make The Best Crockpot Meatballs

Simply throw these in the crock pot dump on your ingredients and stir.

Cover and cook on high 2 to 3 hours or low for 4 to 6 hours.

They can be served right out of the slow cooker with tooth pics or I love to serve them on top of  garlic knots with a little sauce drizzled on top and a sprinkle of parsley.

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 more spice.
• Savory Twist – Mix in a tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire for a deeper, umami flavor.
• Use Chili Sauce Instead of BBQ – If you want 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.How to Serve Jelly Meatballs.

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.
• 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.

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.
• Dinner-Ready – Spoon over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles for a quick, satisfying meal.
• Mini Sandwiches – Pile a few meatballs into slider buns 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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