Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it party appetizer. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep time, these sweet and savory meatballs turn into a sticky, flavorful crowd favorite every single time. Whether you're hosting game day, a holiday party, or just want an easy family dinner, this recipe never disappoints.
Because Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs use frozen meatballs and pantry staples, you can have everything tossed into the slow cooker in under five minutes. Then the crockpot does the rest of the work while you focus on everything else.
The first time I made Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs was for a Super Bowl party. I needed something quick, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to feed a crowd. I whisked together BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and honey, poured it over frozen meatballs, and hoped for the best. A few hours later, the sauce had thickened into a glossy glaze, and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Since then, they've been my go-to appetizer for nearly every gathering.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, and grape jelly in a bowl until smooth.
- Place frozen meatballs into a crockpot and pour sauce over the top.
- Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You'll Love Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs rely on only five simple ingredients:
- Frozen meatballs
- BBQ sauce
- Honey
- Grape jelly
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Although it may sound unusual, grape jelly melts into the BBQ sauce and honey to create a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tangy glaze. The result tastes rich and savory with just the right touch of sweetness.
Because the flavors blend slowly in the crockpot, every meatball becomes evenly coated and infused.
Perfect for Parties and Busy Nights
These meatballs are ideal for serving with toothpicks at gatherings. However, they also work beautifully as an easy dinner served over rice or mashed potatoes.
Since the meatballs are already fully cooked when frozen, you don't need to worry about complicated prep. Simply heat until warmed through and coated in sauce.
Additionally, you can double the batch without doubling the cooking time - just allow a bit of extra time to ensure everything heats evenly.
Ingredients for Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (a sweeter style works best)
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup grape jelly
- Chopped parsley, optional
Choose your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. A sweeter sauce pairs especially well with the grape jelly and honey.
You can use beef, turkey, or even chicken frozen meatballs. Just make sure they are fully cooked before freezing.
How to Make Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, and grape jelly until smooth.
Make sure the jelly is fully blended so the sauce cooks evenly.
Step 2: Add to Crockpot
Place frozen meatballs directly into the crockpot. There's no need to thaw them first.
Pour the sauce mixture over the top and gently stir to coat.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2 to 3 hours.
Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce coats all the meatballs evenly as it thickens.
Because the meatballs are already cooked, you only need to heat them through.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if desired.
Serve warm directly from the crockpot for easy entertaining.
Tips for the Best Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
Use Sweet BBQ Sauce
Since grape jelly adds sweetness, pairing it with a sweeter BBQ sauce creates a balanced glaze. If you prefer less sweetness, choose a smoky or tangy BBQ sauce instead.
Stir Occasionally
While the crockpot does most of the work, stirring occasionally helps redistribute the glaze and prevents sticking.
Keep Warm for Serving
If serving at a party, switch the crockpot to the "warm" setting once fully heated. This keeps Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs at the perfect temperature for guests.
Serving Ideas for Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
Party Appetizer
Serve Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.
Over Rice or Potatoes
Turn them into a main dish by serving over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce acts as a built-in gravy.
Make Sliders
Place a few meatballs on small slider buns and top with a little extra sauce for mini sandwiches.
Because they're so versatile, you can serve them in countless ways.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?
No, add them frozen directly to the crockpot.
2. Can I double the recipe?
Yes. You may need to add an extra 30-60 minutes to ensure even heating.
3. Can I use fresh homemade meatballs?
Yes, but cook them fully before adding to the crockpot.
4. What kind of jelly works best?
Grape jelly is classic, but strawberry or raspberry jam can also work.
5. Are these spicy?
No, Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are sweet and mild, making them kid-friendly.
Conclusion
Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs prove that simple ingredients can create big flavor. With just a few pantry staples and frozen meatballs, you get a sticky, glossy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears fast.
Because they require almost no effort and deliver consistent results, Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs belong in your regular rotation for parties, potlucks, and easy dinners alike.
Leave a Reply