The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (2024)

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The easiest appetizer recipe you’ll find. Meatballs simmered in grape jelly and jarred chile sauce. Perfect for game day.

The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (1)

Meatballs full of flavor with a Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Glaze.

Tis the season for appetizer, small bite, tapas gatherings. My favorite kind of parties.

I’m sure this post finds you hustling and bustling and enjoying the Holiday time of year.

This week has been a whirlwind in our world. It started last Saturday with our office party. A wonderful traditional Italian meal at a co-worker’s home. Then an ornament exchange party at my friend Heather’s. Her table was filled with wonderful food and I thought the highlight was her spicy glazed ham = omg. Then there was that Thursday Night Bronco game….boo-hoo, the Grinch came early to Denver. And of course there’s that shopping “thing”.

Friday night found us glued to the television saddened and horrified for our community, watching yet another school shooting incident unfold, and so very close to home. I was less than a mile away and watched as the army of police vehicles, ambulances, swat team crews, and television stations rushed up University Boulevard in an impressive response.

I’ve simply had no time to blog.

The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (2)

Being in a Holiday party frame of mind, I’m also in the appetizer frame of mind so a Googleing I went. Enjoy. And if you’re like me, it’s one of those things you can’t stop eating.

Looking for more meatball recipes. Take a look at my go-to. This is my mom’s recipe and has been a family favorite for years. BBQ Meatballs, the sauce is killer.

Now for the sweet and sour recipe.

The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (3)

Sweet and Sour, Grape Jelly Glaze

Classic Grape Jelly Meatball Sauce

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 40

Calories: 32kcal

Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • 12 ounce jar chili sauce sweet chili sauce
  • 12 ounces grape jelly
  • Juice of one lemon

Instructions

  • In a large pot, combine the chili sauce, grape jelly and lemon juice.

  • Heat this mixture over medium heat until the jelly melts and everything begins to incorporate.

  • Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for at least 30 minutes, until the meatballs are heated through

  • This recipe is very, very adaptable. If you don’t have chili sauce, use ketchup. Or co*cktail sauce. Don’t have a lemon? Use a lime! Want some added kick? Add a splash or two of teriyaki sauce (yum. I promise.). Be adventurous with your flavor of jam, if you want. You can also choose to cook the meatballs in the sauce rather than adding them in after they are cooked – whatever you choose. We always served these over rice, but they make great appetizer meatballs, or can be served however you prefer.

Notes

Makes Enough Sauce for 40 meatballs

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 117mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below. Or tag me on InstagramMention @CookingOnTheRanch or tag #cookingontheranch

I used my basic meatball recipe:

The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (4)

Basic Meatball Recipe

A meatball recipe to feed a crowd

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer Recipes

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 40

Calories: 118kcal

Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds ground beef Extra lean
  • 13 ounces evaporated milk
  • 2 wholes eggs lightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 Cup saltine crackers crushed or 2 C. Old Fashioned Oats
  • 1 whole onion fine diced
  • 1/2 clove garlic fine diced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and form into meatballs. Bake on a cookie sheet treated with non-stick spray. 375 degrees for about 20 minutes. Makes about 40 meatballs.

Nutrition

Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 64IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below. Or tag me on InstagramMention @CookingOnTheRanch or tag #cookingontheranch

Sweet and Sour, Grape Jelly Meatballs…They’re what’s for an Appetizer.

The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (5)

Lea Ann Brown

Why Trust These Recipes? Lea Ann Brown has lived, worked and played in Colorado for 45 years. She has immersed herself in the Colorado Culinary space, is a Culinary School Graduate and publishes her Colorado food Blog, Cooking On The Ranch.

More Appetizer and co*cktail Recipes

  • Cheesy Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Honeyed Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp
  • Pappas Bros Shrimp Remoulade
  • Easy Baked Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (10)Vickie says

    The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (11)
    I thought of you immediately when I heard of that shooting. How scary!
    Your beautiful photo makes me want to grab one of those succulent little bites! In Texas people made a much less elegant version that was co*cktail sausages cooked in a crockpot with jar of grape jelly . . . . went by the lovely name of Grape Wienies. (that name makes you want a bite, doesn’t it?)
    Hugs and Merry Christmas!

    Reply

    • The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (12)Lea Ann says

      Making those grape wienies very soon! My personal shopper came home with this huge jar of grape jelly that’s clogging up the fridge. Gotta make something with it. 🙂

      Reply

  2. The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (13)Joy @ Yesterfood says

    Lea Ann, I’m so glad you’re not “one of those” who doesn’t share recipes….because this one sounds fantastic. I love the combination of flavors- wouldn’t this be fun for a New Year’s Eve party? I’m thinking yes. 🙂

    Reply

    • The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (14)Lea Ann says

      I’m thinking “yes” Joy. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

  3. The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (15)Penny says

    I had a version of these too, at a wedding years ago. But my source shared her recipe. It was my Aunt Pat and I still make her meatballs. The difference from yours is that she used a can of jellied cranberry sauce instead of grape jelly. I love, love your photo! I am having all kinds of problems with photography lately because of lighting issues. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family Lea Ann.

    Reply

    • The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (16)Lea Ann says

      Since I’ve made this recipe, I’ve seen a couple of versions with cranberry. Sounds good to me. Lighting issues are always my frustration. Sometimes I just don’t get it.

      Reply

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The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (2024)

FAQs

What are sweet and sour meatballs made of? ›

ingredients
  • For the meatballs.
  • 1 lb ground beef.
  • Worcestershire sauce, to taste.
  • 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs.
  • oregano, to taste.
  • 1 egg, slightly beaten.
  • salt and pepper, to taste.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced.

What to serve with meatball appetizers? ›

A simple chopped or caesar salad would be an easy, yet perfect option. Serve with a soft bread such as dinner rolls or a sliced French baguette. Potato salad complements different types of meatballs perfectly.

What's the best way to bake meatballs? ›

directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Grease a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
  3. Mix all ingredients together by hand and form into 1 1/2 inch round meatballs.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until no longer pink in the middle.
  5. Enjoy with spaghetti and tomato sauce!

How many calories are in sweet and sour meatballs? ›

Foodland Sweet And Sour Beef Meatballs (0.75 cup) contains 5g total carbs, 3g net carbs, 18g fat, 15g protein, and 240 calories.

What is a good substitute for grape jelly? ›

Replace the Grape Jelly with apricot preserves, orange marmalade, canned cranberry sauce, raspberry preserves, or hot pepper jelly.

What is Sweet & Sour made of? ›

While sweet and sour can be found in diverse forms in China, the American version builds upon the simple mixture of sugar, vinegar, and spices with the addition of fruit juice—most commonly pineapple—and ketchup, giving the sauce both its red hue and uniquely Western flavor.

How many meatball appetizers per person? ›

If you are serving meatballs as appetizers you probably want to make small co*cktail meatballs. The best size for appetizers are usually 1-inch meatballs. When I cater an event I measure out 1-ounce meatballs for this purpose. Since this is not going to be the main course, I calculate 3 small meatballs per person.

What are the most popular finger foods for parties? ›

Easy Finger Food Recipes to Make Ahead
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. ...
  • Slow-Cooker Jelly Meatballs. ...
  • Loaded Cheese Ball Bites. ...
  • Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Treat your guests to a sweet and savory appetizer with bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
Jan 10, 2024

Is it better to bake meatballs in the oven or pan? ›

Baking will result in meatballs with a crunchy exterior, though the caramelisation achieved from frying will be superior. Baked meatballs take the least amount of effort, as you'll only need to turn them once or twice throughout the cook and you can make a larger batch at once.

What not to do when making meatballs? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatballs
  1. Not seasoning the meat.
  2. Not adding any moisture to the meat.
  3. Over-mixing the meat.
  4. Not shaping the meatballs correctly.
  5. Not forming evenly-sized meatballs.
May 1, 2019

Is it better to pan fry meatballs or bake them in the oven? ›

Baking them ensures even cooking and browning as well as good flavor development. Throwing them into the sauce for a few minutes before serving flavors the sauce and keeps the meatballs moist and delicious.

Is Sweet and Sour high in calories? ›

A 2-tablespoon serving of sweet and sour sauce has 54 calories. Carbohydrates make up 100% of the calories in sweet and sour sauce.

How many carbs are in sweet and sour meatballs? ›

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
601Calories
26gFat
71gCarbs
20gProtein
Feb 15, 2023

How many calories are in homemade sweet sour meatballs? ›

Results for "Sweet and Sour Meatballs"

Other sizes: 1 cup - 444kcal, 1 serving - 333kcal, 100 g - 189kcal, more...

What are authentic meatballs made of? ›

To make the meatballs, you will need:
  • 1 lb. (450g) ground beef, pork, veal or combination of any of them.
  • Fresh bread crumbs to taste (about 1-2 cups, or 150-300g)
  • 1-2 large eggs.
  • Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino cheese to taste.
  • 2 tbsp. chopped parsley.
  • Fresh black pepper.
  • Salt.
  • Large mixing bowl.
Mar 18, 2023

What are most meatballs made of? ›

They are usually made with a mix of ground beef and ground pork, or just with ground beef, which is mixed into a mixture of beaten eggs, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, and grated raw onions or finely chopped and fried onions. Cream is often added for more luxurious versions.

What are traditional meatballs made of? ›

Classic Italian-style meatballs made with beef, pork, or veal and plenty of garlic are just what your spaghetti needed.

Where did sweet and sour meatballs come from? ›

Sweet and Sour meatballs originated in China. They have become a popular main dish in the Philippines or anywhere around the globe for that matter. They are primarily made from ground pork, which is shaped, into balls and cooked with a sweet and sour sauce.

References

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