Crockpot Meatballs With Apricot Jelly Recipe

These Crockpot Meatballs with Apricot Jelly are the perfect party appetizer. They are so easy to make and require only a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep. Then just let the slow cooker do all the work for you. Totally packed with delicious flavor everyone will love, these magnificent meatballs are great for game-day parties, holiday get-togethers or even a simple weeknight dinner.

Original post: December 2018 | Updated: December 2024

Why This Easy Meatball Recipe Works

• Perfect game day or party food for any gathering.
• One of the EASIEST party appetizers you’ll ever make, requiring only 5 ingredients.
• Throw everything into your slow cooker, set it and let your slow cooker do the work for you!
• Everyone loves a good meatball. And these are always a huge hit and get rave reviews!
• Serve as an easy appetizer, a side, a finger food or a main dish.
• Throw leftovers into a sub sandwich or over some white rice or pasta for an easy meal!

I love party food. Making finger foods and appetizers for a winter or holiday gathering is one of my most favorite things in the world. There are so many options. But my favorite has to be this simple recipe for Slow Cooker Meatballs with Apricot Jelly. You’ll definitely want these at your next party.

For one, they are the easiest party food you’ll ever make, requiring only 5 simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time. Then just let the slow cooker do all the work giving you time to make more party food!

These Apricot Meatballs are the perfect appetizer for when holiday parties are in full swing, but they’re also amazing for football parties, pot lucks and more. They also make a really simple family dinner for a weeknight meal. Plus, leftovers!!

Apricot Jelly Meatball Ingredients

These moist and tender meatballs only require a handful of simple ingredients.

Meatballs – Use your favorite variety of frozen pre-cooked meatballs or homemade meatballs that you have in your freezer.

Apricot preserves – The magic ingredient! In a pinch, another type of preserves or jelly will work such as peach, grape or cherry.

Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar both work.

Ketchup – Use your favorite variety!

Worcestershire sauce – Worcestershire sauce ingredients usually contain fish and sometimes wheat. See the notes section for allergen tips.

How to Make Crockpot Apricot Jelly Meatballs

This amazingly delicious and easy recipe couldn’t be simpler to make!

Step 1

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and mix well. 

Step 2

Cover and cook on high heat for 2-3 hours, stirring a couple times throughout.

Step 3

Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks!

How To Tell If Meatballs Are Done

Fully cooked meatballs should have a springy texture instead of a squishy, raw feeling. There should also be no pink on the inside and the internal temperature should be 165°F. Use a calibrated meat thermometer for the most accurate results.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• This recipe makes a massive batch of tasty meatballs, feeding 12 hungry people at a party. Cut the recipe in half for a smaller gathering. Although, they are great as leftovers, as well. Throw them into a hearty salad or turn them into a meatball sub or add them to your spaghetti sauce.
• To make this a gluten-free appetizer, omit or use a GF Worcestershire sauce and read the label on your package of meatballs to make sure it does not contain wheat.
• Use an anchovy free Worcestershire if you are allergic to or avoid fish. Use a gluten free Worcestershire if you avoid or are allergic to wheat.
• Make sure meatballs are fully cooked by checking the inside temp with a meat thermometer. Meatballs should cook to 165°F on the inside for safe consumption.
• Switch up another flavor for the apricot jam.
• Add some red pepper flakes to your jelly or preserves for a little heat with the sweet.

How To Serve Meatballs as an Appetizer

Let a large spoon rest in the crock pot (while set to warm or low heat) and let guests scoop onto their plates as desired. Replace or wash the spoon every hour.

Place the meatballs in a single layer on a large serving tray and poke each with a toothpick so guests can grab and go. You can also add a small piece of mozzarella to the top of each meatball before inserting the toothpick. Be sure to spoon the sauce mixture over the tops to make them as juicy and tasty as possible!

Set out some small Soft Dinner Rolls and toppings like grated parmesan and sliced green onions or Italian seasoning for DIY meatball sliders.

What To Serve With Meatballs at a Party

Meatballs are super easy to make and they have a huge return on flavor, making them the perfect party food. Here are a few other appetizer ideas about what to serve with meatballs at a party!

• Chicken Finger Bites
• Dumplings
• Zucchini Fritters
• Cream Cheese Corn Dip
• Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Storage and Reheating Tips

How Long Do Meatballs Last In The Fridge

Meatballs will last 3-4 days when refrigerated properly. Allow the cooked meatballs to cool completely at room temperature. Place meatballs in an airtight container or storage bag with as little excess air as possible, and store in the refrigerator.

How To Reheat Meatballs

In the microwave – Place your meatballs in a microwave safe dish and heat at 75% for 2 minutes. Stir and heat again for 1 minute if needed.

In the Oven – Preheat the oven to 300°. Place the meatballs in a pie plate or baking dish, top them with some sauce, and cover with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

On the Stovetop – Place some of your sauce in a saute pan and place your meatballs on top. Add more sauce and heat on medium-low or medium heat for about 7 minutes, stirring often, or until warmed through.

Best Party Recipes

Antipasto Skewers
Tomato and Olive Tapenade
Easy Bruschetta
Chicken Bacon Artichoke Dip

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