Updated: June 5, 2026
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These little bites are my longtime go-to recipe, and are guaranteed to be a hit at your next function. You could also alternatively make your own meatballs form scratch, but I’m usually in a rush when preparing appetizers. Therefore, I prefer using frozen ones to save on time. My favorite brand of meatballs to use are Rosina Meatballs, which can be found here on Instacart. Below you will find the recipe for these yummy treats:
Cocktail Meatball Recipe Ingredients
Cocktail style meatballs are the perfect appetizer to make for a party, tailgate, girls night, or any other special event. To make these yummy treats, all you need are five simple ingredients: frozen meatballs, grape jelly, yellow mustard, chili sauce, and parsley to garnish!
Party Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz grape jelly
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 jars Heinz chili sauce
- 26 oz frozen meatballs
- 1 tsp olive oil
- fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Take a pot or large sauce pan and drizzle in some olive oil. Remove the frozen meatballs from their package and place these in a pot over medium heat to defrost. You should lightly sear your meatballs before adding your sauce mixture in the next step. You can also cover your pot with a lid to speed up the cooking process.
- As your meatballs are defrosting, take a separate sauce pan and over medium heat, combine grape jelly, yellow mustard, and chili sauce. Occasionally stir until ingredients are combined. Once combined, remove from heat.
- Once your meatballs have defrosted and seared, and your sauce is ready, combine your meatballs and sauce mixture into one pan and stir. Allow this to simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes and then remove from heat.
- That's it! Your meatballs are ready to serve! Make your meatballs easy to serve for your guests by adding toothpicks and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and soak into the meatballs.
- Frozen homestyle meatballs work great for convenience, but homemade meatballs can also be used if preferred.
- If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, stir in a small splash of water or beef broth to loosen it slightly.
- These cocktail meatballs can be made in a slow cooker, stovetop pot, or Dutch oven depending on your preferred cooking method.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
- For a sweeter sauce, add a little extra grape jelly. For a smokier flavor, use a honey or hickory-style barbecue sauce.
- Serve these meatballs with toothpicks for easy entertaining or over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal option.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These meatballs look so good! I never thought to put jelly in the sauce. I bet that gives them the bit of sweetness they need.
Yum! These look amazing. Do you think you could freeze them to pull out for the future?
Yes! I recommend recooking in a crockpot if you freeze them! 👌
those look great. i love easy recipes. i will def have to try these out.
Looks very easy to make. I enjoy these as hot dourves
Wow! This looks delicious. It’s been a while since we had meatballs and now, I am craving for one. Love your take on this recipe and can’t wait to try it. Thank you for sharing.
Such a great recipe. This looks so great for a get together!
Can you make this recipe without chili sauce by chance? I am out and trying to see if you can pull these off with only jelly and mustard as ur ingredients??
Hi! Yes you can! I recommend replacing the chili sauce with BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s is my favorite!) 😊. BBQ Sauce is a great substitute