Description
These Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs are a deliciously sweet and spicy appetizer perfect for parties or a quick snack. Combining the heat of hot pepper jelly with the smoky flavor of barbecue sauce, enhanced by garlic powder, soy sauce, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, these meatballs are simmered to perfection for a sticky, flavorful glaze that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 ½ pounds frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
Sauce
- 1 cup hot pepper jelly
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, add the hot pepper jelly, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and apple cider vinegar. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the jelly to melt and the flavors to combine fully.
- Add Meatballs: Once the sauce is simmering, add the frozen meatballs directly into the saucepan. Stir carefully to coat the meatballs thoroughly with the sauce.
- Simmer Meatballs: Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures the meatballs heat through completely and absorb the sweet and spicy flavors of the jelly sauce.
- Serve Warm: After the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened to a nice glaze, transfer to a serving dish. These meatballs are best served warm as a tasty appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute meatballs with vegetarian or plant-based meatballs.
- You can adjust the heat level by choosing a milder or hotter pepper jelly.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking during parties or gatherings.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a reduced sodium version.
