Description
This sweet and savory glazed meatballs recipe is an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties like baby showers. These delightful bites simmer to a glossy finish, offering big flavor without the fuss, making them ideal for busy hosts.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen cooked meatballs
- 12–16 oz sweet chili sauce
- 10–12 oz grape jelly or apricot preserves
- 1–2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder, optional
- 0.5 tsp onion powder, optional
- Fresh chopped parsley or sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze: In a 6-quart slow cooker insert, combine the sweet chili sauce, grape jelly or apricot preserves, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until well blended and smooth.
- Add Meatballs: Gently add the frozen (or thawed) meatballs to the sauce, stirring to ensure each meatball is fully coated.
- Cook Meatballs: Cook using your preferred method. (Slow Cooker Method: Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until heated through and sauce is bubbly and thickened. Stovetop Method: Simmer in a large pot over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until hot and sauce coats a spoon. Oven Method: Bake in a baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for 25-35 minutes, tossing halfway, until heated through and glaze caramelizes.)
Notes
Meatballs should be piping hot in the center (165°F/74°C) and the glaze should cling nicely. If using thawed meatballs, cooking time will be reduced (approx. 30 minutes in slow cooker, 5-10 minutes stovetop/oven). If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for an extra 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken. For extra sweetness, stir in an extra tablespoon of grape jelly into the warm glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 meatballs (approx 100 g)
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: baby shower, meatballs, sweet chili glaze, appetizer, party food, easy recipe, slow cooker, crowd-pleasing, entertaining, frozen meatballs