Description
I still remember the joy on my friends' faces the first time I served these Sweet Chili Meatballs from the crockpot at a casual get-together. It was one of those evenings where I craved something effortlessly delicious, yet impressive enough to wow my guests. With just four simple ingredients, I could whip up these little bites of bliss without spending hours in the kitchen.
As the savory aroma of sweet red chili sauce mingled with grape jelly and pineapple wafted through my home, it was impossible not to feel that warm sense of comfort you only get from homemade food. Whether it’s game day, a holiday celebration, or a cozy weekend gathering, these Sweet Chili Meatballs have become my go-to appetizer with just the right kick of sweet and spicy flavors.
What I love most is how flexible they are! Toss everything in the slow cooker and watch as they transform into a crowd-pleasing delight. Trust me, once you make these, they'll be a staple at your gatherings—or just for a night in with your favorite series!
Ingredients
- 32 oz Frozen Homestyle Meatballs
- 1 cup Sweet Red Chili Sauce
- 1 cup Grape Jelly
- 1 can (20 oz) Pineapple Tidbits, drained
Instructions
- Add Meatballs: Place the frozen homestyle meatballs right into your slow cooker. They’ll be the star of this delicious dish, making prep a breeze.
- Pour Sauce: Drizzle the sweet red chili sauce over the meatballs. This key ingredient delivers that zesty sweetness and kick of heat that makes these bites irresistible.
- Mix in Grape Jelly: Add the grape jelly on top. It will blend beautifully with the chili sauce, creating a silky and flavorful coating.
- Incorporate Pineapple: Toss in the drained pineapple tidbits. Their sweetness and texture will brighten up the dish and balance the spiciness.
- Stir Together: Gently stir the ingredients to combine everything evenly. This step ensures that every meatball is coated with that tantalizing sauce.
- Set to Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 1-2 hours or LOW for 3-4 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Final Stir: Just before serving, give the mixture another gentle stir to distribute the sauce. Your meatballs should be perfectly glistening and ready to impress!
Notes
- Choose the Right Meatballs: Use homestyle frozen meatballs; Italian ones can alter the sweet and spicy flavor balance.
- Stir Periodically: Stirring during cooking helps ensure the sweet chili sauce coats every meatball evenly.
- Watch the Cook Time: Overcooking can make meatballs tough; test them at the lower end of the cooking time for best results.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of grape jelly based on personal preference—less for a spicier kick or more for a sweeter flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, ensuring you enjoy the taste of these sweet chili meatballs crockpot again!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 40