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    Home » Recipes » Appetizer Recipes

    Super Bowl Party: Sweet and Sour Meatballs

    Modified: Jan 31, 2023 · Published: Feb 1, 2009 by Ashley

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    This 5 ingredient appetizer is easy to make in advance and can be kept warm in a slow cooker during your next potluck or game day gathering.

    Meatballs in a small dish with a fork.

    This recipe is a combination of several similar recipes that various friends and family members have been using for years.

    The ingredients sound a little weird together, but trust me - these will disappear at your next gathering.

    You can check out my big game day recipe roundup post for more party food favorites!

    Fork holding a meatball with a bite taken out of it.

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    📖 Recipe

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    Meatballs in a small dish with a fork.

    Sweet and Sour Meatballs

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
    • Author: Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen – Ashley Covelli
    • Prep Time: 5 Minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 Minutes
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: About 16 servings (6 meatballs per serving) 1x
    • Category: Appetizer
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: American
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    Description

    This 5 ingredient appetizer is easy to make in advance and can be kept warm in a slow cooker during your next potluck or game day gathering.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    1 (16-ounce) jar grape jelly
    1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce
    ¾ cup water
    1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
    1 (48-ounce/3 pound) bag frozen bite-size meatballs


    Instructions

    In a large pot, mix together jelly, chili sauce, water, and lemon juice over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

    Once melted and combined, add frozen meatballs and cook until heated through.


    Equipment

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    slow cooker

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    Image of chili sauce

    chili sauce

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    Notes

    These meatballs are great held in a slow cooker on low during a party!

    Pour the water into the chili sauce jar and shake it around, then add it to the mixture to help get every last bit from the jar.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Velva

      January 02, 2011 at 10:06 pm

      love serving these type of appetizers. People go nuts for the meatballs! Fabulous.

      Velva

      Reply
    2. Rachel

      January 03, 2023 at 9:11 pm

      These meatballs are a hit every time I serve them! Simple to make and has good flavor. Delish!

      Reply
      • Ashley

        January 03, 2023 at 9:13 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoy them, Rachel!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Ashley and I’ve been writing about food & recipes here at Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen since 2006. I want to help you (yes, you!) gain confidence in the kitchen so you are excited to cook at home for yourself and your loved ones.

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