Meat Ball Appetizers
Sweet and tangy meatball appetizers featuring grape jelly and chili sauce, perfect for parties or casual gatherings, offering a flavorful, easy-to-make finger food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make small meatballs from ground chuck.
- Simmer the meatballs in a covered skillet over low heat until cooked through.
- Put the grape jelly and chili sauce in a saucepan and simmer until well mixed.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to coat.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use lean ground chuck for juicier meatballs. If you want to reduce sweetness, you can substitute half of the grape jelly with unsweetened applesauce. To enhance flavor, add minced garlic or onion to the meat mixture. Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Consider using a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking while simmering.
Serving Suggestions
These meatball appetizers are perfect for parties or game days. Serve them with toothpicks for easy eating, and pair with a side of fresh veggies or chips. For an interesting twist, consider serving with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese. They also pair beautifully with Raspberry Vodka Martini for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatball appetizers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to keep them moist, or microwave them for a minute or two, covered, to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Ball Appetizers contains roughly 14 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chuck?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just be aware that it may require additional seasoning to enhance flavor, as turkey is milder than beef. You can add spices like paprika or Italian seasoning to the turkey mixture.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free meatballs, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats instead of regular breadcrumbs. Additionally, check the labels of the grape jelly and chili sauce to ensure they do not contain any gluten-based ingredients.
Can I freeze the meatball appetizers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the sauce on the stove until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).