The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Lea Ann Brown · This post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The easiest appetizer recipe you’ll find. Meatballs simmered in grape jelly and jarred chile sauce. Perfect for game day.

The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (1)

Meatballs full of flavor with a Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Glaze.

Tis the season for appetizer, small bite, tapas gatherings. My favorite kind of parties.

I’m sure this post finds you hustling and bustling and enjoying the Holiday time of year.

This week has been a whirlwind in our world. It started last Saturday with our office party. A wonderful traditional Italian meal at a co-worker’s home. Then an ornament exchange party at my friend Heather’s. Her table was filled with wonderful food and I thought the highlight was her spicy glazed ham = omg. Then there was that Thursday Night Bronco game….boo-hoo, the Grinch came early to Denver. And of course there’s that shopping “thing”.

Friday night found us glued to the television saddened and horrified for our community, watching yet another school shooting incident unfold, and so very close to home. I was less than a mile away and watched as the army of police vehicles, ambulances, swat team crews, and television stations rushed up University Boulevard in an impressive response.

I’ve simply had no time to blog.

The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (2)

Being in a Holiday party frame of mind, I’m also in the appetizer frame of mind so a Googleing I went. Enjoy. And if you’re like me, it’s one of those things you can’t stop eating.

Looking for more meatball recipes. Take a look at my go-to. This is my mom’s recipe and has been a family favorite for years. BBQ Meatballs, the sauce is killer.

Now for the sweet and sour recipe.

The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (3)

Sweet and Sour, Grape Jelly Glaze

Classic Grape Jelly Meatball Sauce

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 40

Calories: 32kcal

Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • 12 ounce jar chili sauce sweet chili sauce
  • 12 ounces grape jelly
  • Juice of one lemon

Instructions

  • In a large pot, combine the chili sauce, grape jelly and lemon juice.

  • Heat this mixture over medium heat until the jelly melts and everything begins to incorporate.

  • Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for at least 30 minutes, until the meatballs are heated through

  • This recipe is very, very adaptable. If you don’t have chili sauce, use ketchup. Or co*cktail sauce. Don’t have a lemon? Use a lime! Want some added kick? Add a splash or two of teriyaki sauce (yum. I promise.). Be adventurous with your flavor of jam, if you want. You can also choose to cook the meatballs in the sauce rather than adding them in after they are cooked – whatever you choose. We always served these over rice, but they make great appetizer meatballs, or can be served however you prefer.

Notes

Makes Enough Sauce for 40 meatballs

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 117mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below. Or tag me on InstagramMention @CookingOnTheRanch or tag #cookingontheranch

I used my basic meatball recipe:

The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (4)

Basic Meatball Recipe

A meatball recipe to feed a crowd

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer Recipes

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 40

Calories: 118kcal

Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds ground beef Extra lean
  • 13 ounces evaporated milk
  • 2 wholes eggs lightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 Cup saltine crackers crushed or 2 C. Old Fashioned Oats
  • 1 whole onion fine diced
  • 1/2 clove garlic fine diced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and form into meatballs. Bake on a cookie sheet treated with non-stick spray. 375 degrees for about 20 minutes. Makes about 40 meatballs.

Nutrition

Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 64IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below. Or tag me on InstagramMention @CookingOnTheRanch or tag #cookingontheranch

Sweet and Sour, Grape Jelly Meatballs…They’re what’s for an Appetizer.

The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (5)

Lea Ann Brown

Why Trust These Recipes? Lea Ann Brown has lived, worked and played in Colorado for 45 years. She has immersed herself in the Colorado Culinary space, is a Culinary School Graduate and publishes her Colorado food Blog, Cooking On The Ranch.

More Appetizer and co*cktail Recipes

  • The Fort Restaurant Refrigerator Pickled Jalapenos
  • Cheesy Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Honeyed Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp
  • Pappas Bros Shrimp Remoulade

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (10)Vickie says

    The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (11)
    I thought of you immediately when I heard of that shooting. How scary!
    Your beautiful photo makes me want to grab one of those succulent little bites! In Texas people made a much less elegant version that was co*cktail sausages cooked in a crockpot with jar of grape jelly . . . . went by the lovely name of Grape Wienies. (that name makes you want a bite, doesn’t it?)
    Hugs and Merry Christmas!

    Reply

    • The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (12)Lea Ann says

      Making those grape wienies very soon! My personal shopper came home with this huge jar of grape jelly that’s clogging up the fridge. Gotta make something with it. 🙂

      Reply

  2. The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (13)Joy @ Yesterfood says

    Lea Ann, I’m so glad you’re not “one of those” who doesn’t share recipes….because this one sounds fantastic. I love the combination of flavors- wouldn’t this be fun for a New Year’s Eve party? I’m thinking yes. 🙂

    Reply

    • The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (14)Lea Ann says

      I’m thinking “yes” Joy. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

  3. The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (15)Penny says

    I had a version of these too, at a wedding years ago. But my source shared her recipe. It was my Aunt Pat and I still make her meatballs. The difference from yours is that she used a can of jellied cranberry sauce instead of grape jelly. I love, love your photo! I am having all kinds of problems with photography lately because of lighting issues. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family Lea Ann.

    Reply

    • The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (16)Lea Ann says

      Since I’ve made this recipe, I’ve seen a couple of versions with cranberry. Sounds good to me. Lighting issues are always my frustration. Sometimes I just don’t get it.

      Reply

« Older Comments

Leave a Reply

The easiest appetizer recipe you'll find. Sweet and Sour Meatballs. (2024)

FAQs

What was the first appetizer? ›

Appetizers were originally introduced by the Athenians as a buffet in the early third century B.C. They would serve sea urchins, co*ckles, sturgeon, and garlic. However they were unpopular to start as these tiny meals weren't followed up with a main course, leaving everyone hungry and wanting more.

How many calories are in sweet and sour meatballs? ›

Nutrition Facts
Sweet and Sour Meatballs (5)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 236
Total Fat6 g
13 more rows

Which is a common example of a cold hors d oeuvre? ›

A central part of the tradition of cold hors d'oeuvres includes canapés and endless varieties of finger foods including charcuterie, profiteroles, crudités, and skewered or spoon foods.

What is simplest appetizer? ›

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – are the simplest appetizer. Fruits are good appetizers because they give an attractive appearance, fragrance, appealing taste and delicious flavor.

How many carbs are in sweet and sour meatballs? ›

Foodland Sweet And Sour Beef Meatballs (0.75 cup) contains 5g total carbs, 3g net carbs, 18g fat, 15g protein, and 240 calories.

How many calories are in homemade sweet sour Meatballs? ›

Results for "Sweet and Sour Meatballs"

Other sizes: 1 cup - 444kcal, 1 serving - 333kcal, 100 g - 189kcal, more...

Is Sweet and Sour high in calories? ›

A 2-tablespoon serving of sweet and sour sauce has 54 calories.

What can I eat with meatballs instead of pasta? ›

Stroganoff Over Rice or Egg Noodles. Tater Tot Casserole or Cowboy Casserole (instead of ground beef) Cooked in an air fryer and served on baked potatoes with steamed broccoli and Alfredo sauce from a jar. Cooked in an air fryer and served on rolls or baguettes with marinara and mozzarella for meatball sandwiches.

What is the trick to keeping meatballs together? ›

How to make meatballs that won't fall apart
  1. Massage your meat. True story. ...
  2. Add breadcrumbs. Add breadcrumbs to the mixture, but not too many breadcrumbs. ...
  3. Add egg. ...
  4. Don't add much apart from meat. ...
  5. Roll your meatballs in flour. ...
  6. Give your meatballs space. ...
  7. Shake your meatballs. ...
  8. Brown your meatballs first.
Mar 3, 2022

What's a good cold appetizer to bring to a party? ›

Cold Appetizers
  • Stuffed Cucumber Bites Appetizer. Kathleen Schaaf. ...
  • Veggie Squares. Kathleen Schaaf. ...
  • Piquillo Peppers Stuffed with Raw Tuna Salad. ...
  • Simple Open-Faced Cucumber Tea Sandwiches. ...
  • HERB ROASTED OLIVES. ...
  • Recipe: Stuffed Peppadews with Salami & Parmesan. ...
  • One-Minute Cheddar Bread and Buns. ...
  • Salami and Cream Cheese Roll-ups.

What is the difference between an appetizer and a Horderves? ›

Although the words 'appetizer' and 'hors d'oeuvre' are often used interchangeably, there are many differences between the two types of dishes. Time Eaten: Hors d'oeuvres are typically served before the meal even begins, while appetizers tend to indicate the beginning of the meal.

What's the difference between hors d oeuvres and appetizers? ›

You're supposed to eat hors d'oeuvres before a meal begins, versus appetizers, which are considered part of the meal. Then there is the quantity served, with appetizers being served once to a table, versus hors d'oeuvres being served several at a time.

What is the origin of Appetisers? ›

Appetizers originated from Ancient Greece and Rome, where small portions of food, such as olives and cheese, were served before main meals to stimulate the appetite. This concept evolved and became popular worldwide.

Why were appetizers invented? ›

During the Renaissance (14th to 17th century), physicians recommended eating small morsels of salty meats prior to a meal in order to prepare the digestive system for the main course and to ensure proper digestion. Appetizers have been served in nearly all cultures.

What is the history of the Appetiser? ›

The term appetiser (American English: appetizer) is a synonym for hors d'oeuvre. It was first used in the United States and England simultaneously in 1860. Americans also use the term to define the first of three courses in a meal, an optional one generally set on the table before guests were seated.

When were horderves invented? ›

A French word translating to 'outside the work', the hors d'oeuvre originated back in the 17th century, developing from a preceding incarnation called entrements.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Patricia Veum II

Last Updated:

Views: 5958

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Patricia Veum II

Birthday: 1994-12-16

Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

Phone: +6873952696715

Job: Principal Officer

Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.