Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs

Quick and easy grape jelly meatballs recipe (cocktail meatballs), made with 3 simple ingredients in an Instant pot or pressure cooker. All you need are frozen meatballs, Bbq sauce and grape jelly. Perfect appetizer for parties.

These sweet and sour meatballs are one of the best appetizers to serve at dinner parties and even game day, tailgating and potlucks. It also serves a big crowd. These are just as popular as my Grape Jelly Little Smokies (One Pot), Crockpot Little Smokies (Cocktail Smokies), or even these Easy Cocktail Meatballs (One Pot).

Jump to:

• Key ingredients
• Variations
• How to make easy grape jelly meatballs recipe from scratch in instant pot or pressure cooker?
• Other cooking methods
• What to serve with these appetizer meatballs?
• Tips and techniques
• Recipe FAQs
• Storage
• More one pot appetizers
• Recipe

Key ingredients

• Meatballs- I like to use frozen ones because they are fast and easy.
• Grape jelly- You can use your homemade kind or store bought.
• BBQ sauce- There are many different options, so choose your favorite.
• Water- Simple yet necessary for the right consistency.

Variations

• Add chili sauce- Replace bbq sauce with sweet chili sauce.
• Use ketchup- Replace bbq sauce with ketchup. However, I find this sauce to be very sweet and don't like it too much.
• Try a different jelly- You can use currant jelly, apple jelly, or even apricot preserves or orange marmalade.
• Add cranberry sauce- You can substitute the BBQ sauce or the jelly to bring in a new flavor profile.
• Turkey option- Use frozen turkey meatballs instead.
• If you like spice- You can add in some chili flakes, fresh jalapenos, or even cayenne pepper.

How to make easy grape jelly meatballs recipe from scratch in instant pot or pressure cooker?

1. Mix all ingredients- In Instant pot.
2. Seal and cook- On Manual mode.
3. Vent- To release pressure.
4. Cook uncovered- On saute mode to thicken, then enjoy.

Other cooking methods

• Oven Directions- Spread frozen meatballs in a large baking tray. Whisk together the grape jelly and bbq sauce in a bowl and pour it over the meatballs. Then, bake uncovered for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until meatballs become warm and sauce becomes thick.
• Slow Cooker Directions- Add all the ingredients (except water) in the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours.
• Stovetop Directions- Add all the ingredients (except water) in a nonstick pot and cook on medium high heat until sauce is reduced and becomes thick.

What to serve with these appetizer meatballs?

Typically, they are served on their own but you can serve them with:

• Pasta- Like this Creamy Avocado Pasta (One Pot), Garlic Lemon Pasta (One Pot), or even this Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe (One Pot).
• Rice- Including Mushroom Rice Pilaf (One Pot), Cauliflower Fried Rice (One Pot), and Dirty Rice (One Pot).
• Vegetables- There are so many options here, but I enjoy these Sauteed Green Beans (One Pot) and these Oven Roasted Carrots (One Pan).
• Salads- Bring in some greens with this Easy Spinach Blueberry Salad (One Bowl) or Easy Kale Salad (One Bowl).

Tips and techniques

• Don't omit the water- Because without it, the mixture is too thick and pressure doesn't build up that well which can probably lead to burning.
• Paprika is optional- And can be omitted, but it adds a very subtle kick.
• Amounts can be adjusted- For the jelly and bbq sauce, based on your preference.
• If you are using cooked meatballs- You don't need to brown them first. If you are using uncooked meatballs, you should brown them first so that they hold their shape better during cooking and don't break apart.
• Garnish options- Chopped cilantro, green onions or parsley.
• Make homemade meatballs- This can change up the flavor and texture, depending on how you make them.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Refrigerate- Seal in a container for up to 2 days, reheat, and enjoy.
• Freeze- Yes, once they are cooked, allow them to cool down completely. Then, store in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• Make ahead- These can be made up to 1 day in advance. Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge unti ready to reheat and serve.
• Reheat- You can warm these in the microwave or in a pot over the stove.

More one pot appetizers

• Bacon Wrapped Smokies (One Pan)
• Bacon Wrapped Dates (One Pan)
• Easy Pigs in a Blanket (One Pan)
• Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (One Pot)
• Easy Crispy Onion Rings (One Pot)

Recipe