Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs

If you’re looking for the ultimate party appetizer or a sweet-and-spicy twist on a family dinner classic, these Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs are a total crowd-pleaser. Juicy meatballs are smothered in a bold, sticky sauce made from hot pepper jelly and savory ingredients. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or alongside rice for a weeknight meal, these meatballs bring flavor and fun to the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Spicy Flavor – Perfectly balanced with a kick of heat and a touch of sweetness.
Easy to Make – Just a few ingredients and quick prep.
Great for Parties – A go-to appetizer that guests always rave about.
Versatile – Serve as an appetizer or main dish with rice or noodles.
Crockpot-Friendly – Keep them warm for hours at potlucks or game nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated onion or onion powder
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp milk or water

For the Hot Pepper Jelly Sauce:

• 1 cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Optional for Serving:

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
• Steamed rice or mashed potatoes
• Toothpicks for appetizers

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet or skillet
• Saucepan or slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and milk.
3. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls (about 24 meatballs).
4. Place meatballs on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
   Alternatively, pan-fry the meatballs in batches until golden and fully cooked.

Step 2: Make the Hot Pepper Jelly Sauce
6. While the meatballs cook, combine hot pepper jelly, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, honey (if using), and garlic powder in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Stir constantly until the jelly melts and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
8. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.

Step 3: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
9. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss gently to coat.
10. Simmer together for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
For parties: Transfer meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker on “warm” setting for serving.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve
11. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions.
12. Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes as a main dish.

Tips for the Best Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs
Use Lean Meat – Ground turkey or lean beef works best to avoid greasy sauce.
Pre-Cook the Meatballs – This step ensures they hold shape and develop flavor.
Don’t Skip the Vinegar – It balances the sweet and spicy elements of the jelly.
Make Ahead – Prepare meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Keep Warm – Use a crockpot for easy serving at parties and events.

Serving Suggestions
Appetizer Platter – Pair with toothpicks, sliced baguette, or crackers.
With Rice or Noodles – Make it a full meal by serving over steamed rice or lo mein.
Party Sliders – Add meatballs to slider buns with shredded lettuce for a fun twist.
With Roasted Veggies – Serve alongside green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Let meatballs and sauce cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1–2 hours before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Just cook or warm them according to package instructions, then toss in the hot pepper jelly sauce.

2. Is hot pepper jelly really spicy?
It varies by brand, but it’s usually a sweet heat. Choose a milder variety or mix with extra ketchup if needed.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based meatballs and follow the same sauce steps—just skip Worcestershire or use a vegetarian version.

4. What if I don’t have hot pepper jelly?
Mix apricot or grape jelly with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a similar flavor.

5. Can I cook these in a slow cooker from start to finish?
You can! Brown the meatballs first, then add to a slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for 3–4 hours.

Final Thoughts
These Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs strike the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. They’re easy to whip up and guaranteed to impress—whether you’re hosting a crowd or feeding your family. Keep this recipe on hand for potlucks, game day, or a fun dinner that breaks the routine.

Try them out and share your experience—your taste buds will thank you!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 4–5 meatballs):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 580mg

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