Sweet and sour meatballs, Chafing Dish Meatballs, Pungent Meatballs, and even, “those” meatballs are all names for what our family calls Cocktail Meatballs. A dish that is ever popular and so easy to make!
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Like many families, cocktail meatballs are an expected holiday tradition. Every Christmas Eve, since the kids were small, these tangy bites of yumminess are included on our dinner menu. Right up there with Sausage stars and Pizzelles cookies (recipe links below).
What are Cocktail Meatballs?
Cocktail meatballs is a beloved dish that has been around for years. At least from the 1960s. My recipe is from my 1974 edition of “Betty Crocker’s Cookbook” I received as a bridal shower gift.
The humble dish of simple meatballs is simmered in a unique sauce of an unlikely combo of two ingredients. Chili sauce and grape jelly.
Who would have thought. But it works.
The caption at the top of my Betty Crocker’s recipe suggests…
Brim your chaffing dish high with these hearty hor d’oeuves. And don’t forget to supply picks – an plenty of them – for easy eating.
Appetizer or Entrée
As a crowd-feeding appetizer requiring little work, cocktail meatballs are perfect for holiday parties. They are also lovely served at baby or bridal showers and well received at Super Bowl gatherings.
Our family likes cocktail meatballs so much we often turn them into a meal. Served on soft dinner rolls with a side of macaroni salad, three bean salad and some potato chips, we have a great dinnertime favorite.
Homemade or purchased meatballs
Ease and convenience may be another reason for cocktail meatballs popularity. A bag of premade meatballs from the frozen section of the grocery store makes the prep a breeze.
We prefer the Country style over Italian meatballs but you can use your favorite. If you have just a little more time, homemade are lots better. And I have a shortcut for making homemade meatballs easier.
Fry or bake the cocktail meatballs
Frying is the method used for cooking the meatballs in the original recipe. It produces a nice browned surface but it is also a little messy and needs close attention.
Another way, easier in my opinion, is to place the meatballs on a silicon mat or lightly greased foil-lined baking sheet with a low side. Place the pan of meatballs into a preheated 400 degree F. oven for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the meatballs. Don’t over-bake them as they will continue to cook as they simmer in the sauce.
How to make cocktail meatballs
Heat the chili sauce and grape jelly in a large pan or skillet, stirring constantly, until the jelly is melted.
Add the meatballs and stir until thoroughly coated. Simmer gently, uncovered 20-30 minutes.
Cocktail Meatballs
From my old Betty Crocker Cookbook
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon snipped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup shortening (for frying)
For the sauce
- 1 jar (10 ounce) grape jelly
- 1 bottle Heinz chili sauce
DIRECTIONS:
In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and egg.
Shape into small balls, about one or two-bite size balls.
Melt the shortening in a large skillet and cook the meatballs until nicely browned on all sides.
Melt the shortening in a large skillet and cook the meatballs until nicely browned on all sides.
Remove the meatballs from the skillet and pour off the fat.
For baking the meatballs
Place the meatballs on a silicon mat or foil-lined, lightly greased baking sheet and bake 10-15 minutes depending on the size. I bake 2-inch size meatballs in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes.
Making the sauce
Heat the chili sauce and grape jelly in a skillet; stirring constantly, until jelly is melted. Add meatballs and stir until thoroughly coated. Simmer gently, uncovered 20-30 minutes.
Slow Cooker Method
In the bowl of a slow-cooker (at least 5 quarts) whisk together the chili sauce and grape jelly. Place the lid on the slow-cooker and cook on high for 15 minutes. Remove the lid and whisk until smooth.
Transfer the warm, homemade meatballs to the slow-cooker with the sauce. Gently toss meatballs in the sauce to coat. Place the lid on the slow-cooker and cook, tossing halfway through, on high for 1 to 2 hours, or low for 3 to 4 hours. Serve warm with toothpicks.
Using frozen meatballs
If you’re using frozen meatballs, just add the frozen meatballs directly to the crockpot. There is no need to thaw them out beforehand. Pour in the chili sauce and grape jelly. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours until the sauce is hot.
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I think my family would like this too.
What a wonderful recipe! Those little meatballs look mouth-watering
Have a lovely week ahead!
this is an awesome recipe.
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I made these last year and everyone loved them. When I told them that the glaze was grape jelly they didn't believe me (lol) I love old recipes like this!
I love them lined up on a narrow dish. I'm going to remember that when I make these. They look so good — no wonder your children have made a tradition of them.
These sound delicious! And how nice to be having them every Christmas Eve! Hope you had a nice weekend!
Hello Lorraine,
These meatballs evoke so many happy times ~ my mom used to make them, then my sister and I did when we began our own families and traditions. This one is our absolute favorite recipe for cocktail meatballs, too!
Thank you for sharing it. Blessings! ~m.
P.S. I'm thrilled to be your newest (595th) google friend follower!
xo
P.P.S. Gorgeous photography. *sigh*
Oh that looks sooooo good. Thanks for sharing!!!
What a fun family tradition. This will be my husband and I's first Christmas together so we need to start making traditions, this just might be one. Yummy!
I know my family would love these – well, minus my vegetarian daughter..ha – and especially Hubbie. Don't think I've tried my meatballs as little sandwiches but sounds yummy!
Just loved your photos from the kitchen sink! What a beautiful place to fellowship with the Lord while you work during the day!
Hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend!
Those look yummy!!!
Love those meatballs! My kids even like a similar version with spaghetti.
Friend, this is perfect. Just what I was looking for! Thank you!
These look so good. Perfect for entertaining or a nice dinner on a cold night.
what a delicious tradition.
A wonderfully delicious tradition, and someting I can make a head. I love my old Betty Crocker cookbook too.
Sue
I have eaten these at parties before and I'm glad to have the recipe for the holidays. Have a great weekend.
These are a favorite to have on hand. Thanks for the reminder and the recipe.
I still remember my mother's Betty Crocker cookbook. It had some great recipes!
God bless Betty Crocker- I have made these many, many times over the years and they are always a hit! I am so glad you shared them here for others to find. I think we must have been new wives about the same time! xo Diana
Sounds like the perfect recipe for those busy times when lots of family come round and you have so much to do! Thanks for sharing XXX
This is an all time favorite from my BC cookbook too! You have made them appear more appealing than Betty or myself ever could!
Such a great party idea. Thanks so much for sharing and I will have to make these for sure.
Now that is one thing that I will go for a second helping.
I always love these, such a nice treat.
Oh going to have to make these…thanks, I will put them on my list for this season.
My kids would think it was a holiday if I made these. I've been vegetarian for about 2-1/2 years now so they only get meat when we go out to eat. Ever once in a while I will break down and make them something at home.
Love the pictures in your previous post — especially the birds taking flight.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Tammy
We would love these, Lorraine. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe. Have a nice day.