Vegan Grape Jelly Meatballs
by Marly McMillen
Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these vegan crockpot grape jelly meatballs. They’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
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Looking for the perfect appetizer? Try this Vegan Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe. These tasty meatballs combine the sweetness of grape jelly with the tanginess of BBQ sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
I adore this recipe because it effortlessly combines sweet and savory flavors, creating a tantalizing appetizer that’s always a hit at parties.
Plus, the simplicity of using a slow cooker makes it a convenient option for busy days. Throw the meatballs in the crockpot with the sauce and let it simmer while you get everything else ready. It’s perfect!
Ingredients and Substitutions
You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.
- Vegan Meatballs: Look for pre-made vegan meatballs at your local grocery store. I prefer Beyond or Impossible meatballs for this recipe because they hold their shape in the thick sauce.
- Grape Jelly: Choose your favorite grape jelly brand, available in the condiment aisle of most supermarkets. Alternatively, you can use other fruit preserves like seedless raspberry. Make it extra healthy by using this easy chia seed jam.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a vegan BBQ sauce free from animal products like Worcestershire sauce. Check the ingredients label or make your own with this vegan barbecue sauce recipe.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: Ensure your chili garlic sauce is vegan-friendly and free from any non-plant-based additives. It can typically be found in the international foods aisle or near the BBQ sauce section of grocery stores.
Can I use homemade vegan meatballs? Yes, these homemade Vegan Lentil Meatballs work wonderfully in this recipe. You can also use these Impossible Meatballs for a meaty flavor and texture. For a plant-based option, these Chickpea Balls are perfect! Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker.
What Makes This Recipe Shine?
- Flavor: Elevate your taste buds with the irresistible combination of grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and chili garlic sauce.
- Convenience: Effortlessly whip up a crowd-pleasing dish with just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker.
- Versatility: Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, these vegan meatballs are sure to impress with their delicious flavor and tender texture.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and meatballs ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Alternatively, you can cook the meatballs in the sauce, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for 1 to 2 days. Then preheat before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free vegan meatballs and BBQ sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Marly’s Tips
- Use a silicone liner or non-stick cooking spray in your slow cooker for easy cleanup.
- For a spicier kick, add extra chili garlic sauce to taste.
- Serve with toothpicks for a convenient party appetizer.
Important Tips for Homemade Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
Homemade vegan meatballs (lentil, chickpea, etc.) can soften and fall apart during long simmering in thick, moist sauce. To prevent this:
- Cook the sauce alone in the slow cooker first (on low for 2–3 hours or high for 1–2 hours until hot and bubbly).
- Add the fully cooked homemade meatballs right before serving (or during the last 20–30 minutes on low). This lets them absorb some flavor without breaking down.
- For extra insurance, give your homemade meatballs a thicker, crispier crust by baking at a higher temperature (e.g., 400–425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway) or pan-frying until deeply browned. This creates a protective barrier against the sauce — it makes a big difference!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tasty meatballs with your favorite side dishes such as:
- Serve saucy meatballs with cooked sticky brown rice or noodles for a hearty meal.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
- Make it a game-day treat by using these meatballs on your next vegan meatball sub sandwich.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, place cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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More Vegan Appetizers
If you love these vegan meatballs with grape jelly sauce as an appetizer, here are more plant-based appetizers to try:
Vegan Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients
- 24 vegan meatballs (See notes)
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup bbq sauce
- ¼ cup chili garlic sauce
Instructions
- Cook the meatballs first according to the package instructions. This usually means baking, pan-frying in a little oil until browned and heated through, or air-frying.24 vegan meatballs
- Add all the sauce ingredients into a slow cooker. Stir to combine.1 cup grape jelly, 1 cup bbq sauce, ¼ cup chili garlic sauce
- Add the cooked meatballs to the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat them in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours (or on high for 2–3 hours), stirring once halfway through if possible, until everything is hot, bubbly, and the sauce has thickened slightly and coated the meatballs well.
- Switch the slow cooker to the warm setting to keep them warm for serving. They can stay on warm for several hours without issue — perfect for parties!
Recommended Equipment
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Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm straight from the slow cooker as an easy appetizer.
- Provide small plates, napkins, and cocktail toothpicks or small skewers so guests can grab them easily without mess.
- Optional garnishes: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds for color and freshness.
- Pairing ideas: These pair great with toothpicks for casual snacking, or turn them into a fun main by serving over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
Vegan Meatball Options
The type of meatballs you use here is very important. I prefer to use Beyond or Impossible meatballs because their texture holds firm in the thick, heated sauce. I have found homemade vegan meatballs do not hold their texture. If you really want to use homemade, cook your homemade meatballs at a higher temperature to create a thicker crust (see post notes for tips). Then cook the sauce without the meatballs, and add them right before serving. Here are some options:The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
About the Author
Hi! I’m Marly McMillen. I’m the founding editor, author, recipe developer, vegan home chef, and food stylist behind Namely Marly. I’m so grateful to you and every member of my audience for your support and dedication. More about Namely Marly ›
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