Description
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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Ingredients
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
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American