Sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive, these Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs are a must-have appetizer for parties, game days, or any occasion that calls for bold flavor with minimal effort. Juicy meatballs are simmered in a sticky-sweet sauce made from hot pepper jelly and savory ingredients, creating a mouthwatering bite that disappears fast from the serving tray.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
3 Ingredients – Super easy and fuss-free
Bold & Balanced – Sweet heat with rich, savory notes
Perfect for Entertaining – Always a hit at gatherings
Slow Cooker or Stovetop – Your choice for cooking
Freezer-Friendly – Great for meal prep or party planning
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 (32 oz) bag frozen fully-cooked beef or turkey meatballs (about 50–60)
1 cup hot pepper jelly (red or green)
1 cup chili sauce or ketchup (depending on your spice preference)
Optional Garnish:
Chopped parsley
Toothpicks for serving
Crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
Tools You’ll Need
Slow cooker or large saucepan
Measuring cups
Mixing spoon
Serving bowl or tray
Step-by-Step Instructions
Slow Cooker Method:
Step 1: Combine Sauce
In the base of a slow cooker, mix hot pepper jelly and chili sauce or ketchup until smooth.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Add the frozen meatballs and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Step 3: Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Serve
Once hot and glazed, transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with parsley and serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Stovetop Method:
Step 1: Heat Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together hot pepper jelly and chili sauce until melted and bubbling.
Step 2: Simmer Meatballs
Add frozen meatballs and stir to coat. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and evenly glazed.
Step 3: Serve Hot
Transfer to a bowl or warming tray and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs
Use Pre-Cooked Meatballs – Saves time and effort
Adjust Heat – Add more jelly or chili sauce to change spice level
Keep Warm – Use “warm” setting on slow cooker for parties
Make It Fancy – Use mini skewers for elegant presentation
Use Different Jellies – Try jalapeño jelly or even apricot for variation
Serving Suggestions
As a Party Appetizer – Serve hot with cocktail picks
Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes – Makes a quick dinner
With Slider Buns – Turn into mini sandwiches
Alongside a Cheese Board – The sweet-spicy flavor pairs great with sharp cheeses
As Part of a Holiday Spread – Adds color and bold flavor to the table
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze cooled meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in microwave until heated through
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes—just fully cook them before adding to the sauce - Is this dish very spicy?
It has mild to moderate heat depending on the jelly used; adjust to taste - Can I use grape jelly instead of pepper jelly?
Yes, but you’ll lose the heat—add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for kick - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger slow cooker or pot - Are these gluten-free?
Check labels on meatballs and sauces to be sure
Final Thoughts
These Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs are the perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy, making them an unforgettable addition to your appetizer lineup. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that disappears in minutes.
Try them at your next party and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 2–4 hours (slow cooker) or 25 minutes (stovetop)
Cuisine: American / Party Appetizers
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 10):
Calories: 260 | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 15g | Sugar: 14g | Sodium: 540mg
Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
Sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive, these Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs are a must-have appetizer for parties, game days, or any occasion that calls for bold flavor with minimal effort. Juicy meatballs are simmered in a sticky-sweet sauce made from hot pepper jelly and savory ingredients, creating a mouthwatering bite that disappears fast from the serving tray.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest crowd-pleasing appetizers and slow cooker favorites you’ll love.
Ingredients
1 (32 oz) bag frozen fully-cooked beef or turkey meatballs (about 50–60)
1 cup hot pepper jelly (red or green)
1 cup chili sauce or ketchup (depending on your spice preference)
Optional Garnish:
Chopped parsley
Toothpicks for serving
Crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method:
Step 1: Combine Sauce
In the base of a slow cooker, mix hot pepper jelly and chili sauce or ketchup until smooth.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Add the frozen meatballs and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Step 3: Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Serve
Once hot and glazed, transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with parsley and serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Stovetop Method:
Step 1: Heat Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together hot pepper jelly and chili sauce until melted and bubbling.
Step 2: Simmer Meatballs
Add frozen meatballs and stir to coat. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and evenly glazed.
Step 3: Serve Hot
Transfer to a bowl or warming tray and serve immediately.
Notes
Use Pre-Cooked Meatballs – Saves time and effort
Adjust Heat – Add more jelly or chili sauce to change spice level
Keep Warm – Use “warm” setting on slow cooker for parties
Make It Fancy – Use mini skewers for elegant presentation
Use Different Jellies – Try jalapeño jelly or even apricot for variation
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–4 hours (slow cooker) or 25 minutes (stovetop)
- Cuisine: American / Party Appetizers
