Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs

Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly sticky, these Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs are the ultimate party appetizer or weeknight dinner shortcut. Juicy meatballs are simmered in a bold and zesty sauce made from hot pepper jelly and savory seasonings—creating the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you serve them on a platter with toothpicks or spooned over rice, these meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Spicy – The perfect balance of bold and comforting.
Minimal Ingredients – Just a few pantry staples needed.
Slow Cooker Friendly – Set it and forget it for easy entertaining.
Customizable – Use store-bought or homemade meatballs.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Game day, holidays, or casual dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:
1½ lbs ground beef or turkey
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
1 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (if pan-frying)

Or use 1 bag (24 oz) frozen fully-cooked meatballs (about 40–45 small meatballs)

For the Sauce:
1 cup hot pepper jelly (red or green)
½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce (for umami depth)
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

Optional Garnish:
Chopped green onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro or parsley

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet or skillet (if making meatballs from scratch)
Saucepan or slow cooker
Spoon or tongs for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare or Cook the Meatballs
Homemade:
In a large bowl, mix ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Form into 1-inch balls.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes or pan-fry in olive oil until browned and cooked through.

Frozen:
If using store-bought meatballs, cook according to package directions or proceed to sauce step if pre-cooked.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine hot pepper jelly, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until jelly is fully melted and sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Combine & Simmer
Add meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat.
Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are heated through and sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl or platter.
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve with toothpicks for appetizers or over rice or noodles for a meal.

Tips for the Best Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs
Use High-Quality Jelly – The better the jelly, the better the sauce flavor.
Don’t Overmix Meat – Gentle mixing keeps meatballs tender.
Make It Spicier – Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or extra hot jelly.
Use a Slow Cooker – Combine all ingredients and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours.
Keep Warm for Parties – Use the “warm” setting on your slow cooker or fondue pot.

Serving Suggestions
Party Appetizer – Keep warm in a slow cooker with toothpicks on the side.
Over Rice – Spoon over jasmine or brown rice for a simple meal.
Slider Style – Tuck into small rolls with coleslaw for mini sandwiches.
With Noodles – Serve with stir-fried noodles or lo mein.
Game Day Platter – Pair with wings, chips, and dips.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm over low heat with a splash of water if sauce is too thick.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between.
Slow Cooker: Perfect for reheating and serving at gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of pepper jelly should I use?
   Red or green hot pepper jelly both work great—choose based on your heat preference and presentation.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Yes! Use plant-based meatballs and check that the jelly is gelatin-free.
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Absolutely—store in the fridge for up to a week and reheat before using.
4. Are these very spicy?
   Mild to medium depending on the jelly. You can adjust with added chili or leave out the brown sugar for more heat.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes! This recipe scales well—just use a large enough pot or slow cooker.

Final Thoughts
These Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs hit the perfect sweet-and-spicy balance and are as easy to make as they are delicious to eat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a simple dinner idea, this recipe is fast, flavorful, and endlessly flexible.

Whip up a batch today—you’ll see why everyone goes back for seconds!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American / Party Food

Nutritional Information (Per 5 Meatballs):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 18g | Sugar: 15g | Sodium: 480mg

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