Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs

Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly sticky, Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. These tender meatballs are simmered in a bold and tangy pepper jelly sauce that’s both fiery and sweet, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, potluck, or holiday gathering, this easy slow cooker recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Spicy Flavor – A perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Effortless – Minimal prep with big payoff.
Great for Entertaining – Always the first dish gone at parties.
Versatile – Works as an appetizer, main dish, or even in sliders.
Crockpot Friendly – Let it simmer while you enjoy your event.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs (Homemade or Frozen):
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp parsley (optional)
or substitute with 1½ lbs frozen fully cooked meatballs

For the Sauce:
• 1 cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for umami depth)
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat

Tools You’ll Need
• Large bowl (for mixing meatballs)
• Baking sheet (if making homemade)
• Slow cooker or large saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small whisk or spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs (if using homemade)
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and parsley.
Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Set aside or cool and refrigerate if using later.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan or directly in your slow cooker, combine hot pepper jelly, ketchup, vinegar, and soy sauce.
Whisk until smooth and heated through.
Taste and add red pepper flakes if desired for extra spice.

Step 3: Combine & Cook
Add the meatballs to the sauce and stir gently to coat.
Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 2–3 hours or on high for 1–1½ hours.
Stovetop Method: Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and glazed.

Step 4: Serve Warm
Transfer to a serving bowl or keep warm in the slow cooker.
Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking or spoon over rice or mashed potatoes for a meal.

Tips for the Best Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs
Use Quality Jelly – Choose a pepper jelly with a good balance of sweet and spice.
Brown the Meatballs – Adds extra flavor and helps them hold up in the sauce.
Keep Warm – Use the slow cooker’s “warm” setting during parties.
Make Ahead – Prepare meatballs and sauce in advance, then heat and serve.
Control the Heat – Adjust with red pepper flakes or mix in a spoonful of honey to tone it down.

Serving Suggestions
As a Party Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks for bite-size enjoyment.
Over Rice or Noodles – Turn them into a quick dinner.
On Slider Buns – Make spicy meatball sliders with coleslaw or pickles.
With Roasted Veggies – A flavorful, protein-packed meal.
In Meal Prep Bowls – Great with quinoa or brown rice for lunches.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled meatballs and sauce in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Slow Cooker: Reheat on low until warm.
Stovetop: Simmer gently in a saucepan over low heat.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
   Yes! Just thaw if needed and cook directly in the sauce.
2. What’s the best hot pepper jelly to use?
   Jalapeño or habanero jellies work great—choose your spice level preference.
3. Can I make these vegetarian?
   Yes—use plant-based meatballs and the same sauce.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely—just use a larger slow cooker and extend cooking time slightly.
5. Are these spicy?
   They have a mild to medium kick. Adjust jelly type or add flakes to control the heat.

Final Thoughts
Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory. Whether you’re prepping a party snack, game day treat, or easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked—and so will everyone else.

Give them a try and let us know how you served them! Don’t forget to share your creations and leave a review.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1–3 hours (depending on method)
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 4 meatballs):
Calories: 260 | Protein: 14g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 460mg

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