Author: These Vegan Grape Jelly Meatballs are the ultimate throwback party appetizer, made plant-based! Juicy vegan meatballs are coated in a sticky-sweet, tangy BBQ and grape jelly sauce that's ridiculously addictive. Whether you serve them straight from the slow cooker or simmer them quickly on the stovetop, this recipe couldn't be easier. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that vanishes fast.
Want to add some instant nostalgia to your next party? Throw these Vegan Grape Jelly Meatballs and a Cranberry Cheese Ball on your menu and prepare for ALL the accolades. Because isn't it the best when you can take one of those recipes you grew up eating and make a veganized version?! It all starts with tender vegan meatballs, which are simmered in a glossy, sweet and tangy sauce made from grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and a touch of sriracha (if you're feeling bold). Serve them on toothpicks for a super fun, incredibly easy, totally crave-worthy appetizer that will get your whole party talking!
Why These Vegan Grape Jelly Meatballs Belong at Your Next Party
- Nostalgic flavor: these grape jelly meatballs will bring back so many good memories! These taste just like the version everyone grew up with, but made with plant-based ingredients.
- Almost effortless: Using store-bought vegan meatballs means this recipe comes together in a snap!
- Perfect slow cooker appetizer: These stay warm for hours, making them ideal for potlucks, game day, and holiday open houses.
- Perfect for entertaining: Keep the meatballs warm in the slow cooker for easy grazing; even if you cook them on the stovetop to get them ready faster, you can keep them warm in your crockpot!
Ingredients for Vegan Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Frozen vegan meatballs: Use store-bought or make my Vegan Meatballs.
- Grape jelly: If you'd like to switch things up, you can swap in Cranberry Sauce, orange marmalade, or hot pepper jelly.
- Vegan BBQ sauce: Make sure it's vegan!
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce: Optional, for some heat.
- Parsley or green onions: Also optional for a little freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Vegan Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Make the sauce: Stir together the grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and sriracha (if you're using it) in a slow cooker (or in a pot if following the stovetop method).
- Add the meatballs: Stir again to make sure they're coated.
- Cook: Heat on low 3-4 hours or high 2-3 hours. (Or 10-20 minutes on the stovetop.)
- Serve: Switch the slow cooker setting to warm and garnish before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Make them on the stovetop: Whisk the sauce ingredients in a pot, then add the meatballs, cover and simmer on low for 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Get a head start: Leave the grape jelly meatballs on the "warm" setting in the slow cooker for hours while you get everything else set up for your party!
- Serve with toothpicks (or a spoon): If you use a softer meatball like one that's bean based or made with TVP, you may want to serve them with a spoon to keep them from falling apart when lifted with a toothpick. Sturdier options, like store-bought meatballs, won't have this issue.
- Switch up the sauce: Swap grape jelly for another sweet sauce. Cranberry sauce is perfect for the holidays, orange marmalade adds a bright citrusy twist, and hot pepper jelly gives a fun sweet-heat kick.
- Meatball options: Not all vegan meatballs behave the same when cooked. Be sure to check the recipe notes for tips on how different types (TVP, bean-based, seitan, or store-bought) work best in this sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve grape jelly meatballs straight from the slow cooker for the classic holiday appetizer version.
- Pair with Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes or rice to make it a weeknight meal.
- Or serve them on slider buns for a game-day snack!
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze these grape jelly meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.
More Classic Holiday Appetizer Ideas
If you try this vegan grape jelly meatball recipe, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Vegan Grape Jelly Meatballs
These Vegan Grape Jelly Meatballs are the ultimate throwback party appetizer, made plant-based! Juicy vegan meatballs are coated in a sticky-sweet, tangy BBQ and grape jelly sauce that's ridiculously addictive. Whether you serve them straight from the slow cooker or simmer them quickly on the stovetop, this recipe couldn't be easier. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that vanishes fast.
Servings:
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Ingredients
- 24 -36 frozen vegan meatballs , (about 2-3 packages; or use homemade, see notes)
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 ½ cups vegan BBQ sauce
- 1 - 2 tablespoons Sriracha or chili garlic sauce, (optional, for a kick)
- Chopped parsley or green onions, (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method (best for store-bought):
- Add grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and Sriracha (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir (it's fine if it doesn't fully mix yet, it will melt together as it cooks). Add the vegan meatballs and stir to coat. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring once halfway. Switch to "warm" until ready to serve. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Stovetop Method (best for homemade):
- In a large pot, whisk together grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and Sriracha (if using). (It's fine if it doesn't fully mix yet, it will melt together as it cooks). Add the vegan meatballs and gently stir to coat. Cover and simmer on low for 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and saucy. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead Friendly: Keep warm in the slow cooker for hours, perfect for parties.
Flavor Swaps: Try cranberry sauce for the holidays, orange marmalade for citrusy sweetness, or hot pepper jelly for a sweet-heat twist.
Meatball Options:
- Store-Bought Frozen: Easiest option. I used Gardein, but Beyond or Ikea work great too. These hold up beautifully in the slow cooker. Perfect for the "dump-and-go" method.
- Seitan Meatballs: Meaty and sturdy, but can get tough if slow-cooked too long. Best to pan-fry first, then simmer gently on the stovetop or add to the slow cooker only in the last 30 minutes on warm.
- TVP Meatballs: Tender but delicate. Bake until extra golden, then simmer briefly in sauce on the stovetop or add near the end of slow cooking.
- Bean-Based Meatballs: Soft and prone to breaking down. Best baked until firm, then added to the sauce just before serving. The stovetop method works best, simmering gently for only 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving (2 meatballs) | Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 474mg | Potassium: 290mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 5mg
Trina says
We had this tonight, and we loved it! Husband had a big second helping. It seemed as if the recipe could be really good or really awful, turns out it is great!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha I totally get that reaction, Trina! It’s one of those recipes that sounds a little surprising but ends up being delicious. I’m so glad you and your husband enjoyed it. Thanks for giving it a try!
T says
So simple, and so good.
Love a good throw is all in the slow cooker recipe. I post meals I cook on Insta & FB. When I posted this, with pineapple lime rice & bok choy, I got a message right away telling the meatballs looked amazing! I used Gardein, and they held up perfect. – Wish I could post a pick here [Meatballs all perfectly round, all drizzled with sauce].
Definitely going in the weekly rotation!
*Only 1 thing I’d do different. I would record how much siracha I put in. I don’t know if it was 1 or 2 tbsp. I want to kick it up a little next time… might go to 3 tbsp 😆
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
T, I LOVE this!! 😄 So happy they held up well (and that dinner sounds AMAZING). And hahaha yes—next time measure that sriracha so you can crank it up properly 🔥
Maria says
these are delectable 🤤
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Maria! So glad you loved them 🤤
Lisa says
I didn`t think this would work. I was so wrong. My husband, who is not a vegetarian, had two helpings. This taught me to keep an open mind about food, thank you.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Lisa! That makes me so happy to hear 🥰 I love when a recipe surprises people like that. Thanks so much for giving it a chance!
Olga Yevich says
OMG!! These are the BEST!! Thank you for a new recipe in my rotation.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
We're thrilled you like them!!
Pam says
Our vegan friends were celebrating his birthday with vegan meatball day with his wife making him vegan meatballs all day. I saw this recipe and made him some too. I didn't even know that he's a grape jelly fanatic. Needless to say, these were a big hit!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Pam! That is such a sweet birthday surprise 😄 I’m so glad they were a hit!
Melissa Cruz says
Oh my, this recipe is amazing! I’ve made it twice now and absolutely love it! My husband loves it. Thank you for creating this recipe!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh yay!! That makes me so happy to hear 😊 I’m thrilled you and your husband loved it, thank you so much for the kind words!
Alison says
Hi Sam, I made these meatballs as a Christmas Eve appetizer using 2 bags of the frozen impossible meatballs.and they were well liked. The sauce seemed thin and watered down but flavor was still there. They also may have been overcooked at 4 hours on low…lol. However, they were enjoyed by my mostly carnivorous family. There were none left! I am making a half recipe this week with the Gardein ones to see if there is a difference! So glad you created this recipe as grape jelly meatballs was something my late Aunt used to make for Christmas Eve…fond memories!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Alison! I love that this brought back such special Christmas Eve memories 🥰 So glad your family enjoyed them and thank you for sharing that experience!
Carla Flaim says
So easy and delicious. These "meatballs" didn't last very long at our family Christmas gathering. Most of the folks didn't even know it was a vegan dish. We used Beyond Meatballs. Definitely will be in the rotation. Thanks
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Carla! That’s awesome 😄 I love hearing that even non vegans enjoyed them, and I’m so glad they’ll be in your rotation!