This is one of those little recipes that I just assume everyone knows about. Then I make it for some gathering and inevitably find out that there are people in the world who have never heard of such a thing. I you are among those who have never before seen this recipe then you are in for a treat. There are only two ingredients in this sauce: grape jelly and chili sauce. If that sounds weird to you- don’t knock it ’til you try it! It’s the perfect sweet and sour glaze for meatballs or cocktail sausages (little smokies) and SO easy!
Ingredient Notes
- Meatballs or Little Smokies – This easy sauce can be used with both meatballs or little smokies cocktail sausages. For meatballs, keep it simple with precooked frozen meatballs. You could certainly make your own as well, just precook them before adding to the sauce. My personal favorite is Little Smokies!
- Chili Sauce – Chili Sauce can be found in the grocery store near the ketchup. It kind of looks like a small bottle of ketchup. It’s tangy, sweet, and tart all at the same time and full of spices. There are no substitutions here.
- Grape Jelly – The grape jelly adds sweetness and flavor and the result is a wonderful and quick sweet and sour sauce. Regular, generic grape jelly is great!
How to Make Sweet and Sour Little Smokies or Meatballs
1. Pour grape jelly and chili sauce into a medium sauce pan, or your slow cooker. Whisk together until smooth. It’s okay if there are some lumps, they will melt out when the sauce heats.
2. Add frozen meatballs or cocktail sausages. There is no exact science to the cook time. On the stove top I simmer on low for 15-20 minute until the sausages are plump or meatballs are cooked through. In the slow cooker, you can set it to low for a few hours. They get better with time! You could even cook them in the oven in a pan. I’d do it at about 300 degrees for at least an hour.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! I would recommend making them the day of serving, but they can sit in the warm crock pot for several hours before serving.
How do I store leftovers? Just pop them in a container in the fridge. They’re great reheated.
How do I reheat sweet and sour little smokies? You can reheat gently in the microwave, or simmer on low on the stove top.
Related Recipes
Looking for some other appetizer recommendations? Check out these Our Best Bites favorites:
- Bacon Wrapped Cocktail Sausages
- Cranberry Orange Goat Cheese Bites
- Honey Cranberry Orange Baked Brie
- Mini Pastry Wrapped Brie Bites
- Pastry Wrapped Asparagus With Prosciutto
- Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Did You Make This?
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Sweet and Sour Meatballs {Easy!}
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz jar chili sauce one standard jar, such as Heinz brand
- 16-18 oz grape jelly
- 2 lbs. frozen meatballs, or 2 12-ounce packages cocktail sausages precise amounts for sausages or meatballs aren't necessary, as long as they are covered completely by your sauce you are good to go.
Instructions
- Combine jelly and chili sauce in a pot on the stovetop, or in a crock pot an stir until smooth. Don't worry about lumps, they will melt as it heats.
- Add meatballs or cocktail sausages.
- Heat on low in a crock pot until sausages are plump or meatballs are cooked through (2-3 hours) or on the stove top on a low simmer for 15-30 minutes.
Notes
- Nutritional information was calculated using cocktail sausages.
Questions & Reviews
Okay, it was great, even with my home made, healthy (full of pureed onions, peppers, and zucchini) meatballs. My kids werent thrilled, but thats just because their still at that dont like anything new stage in their lives (do they ever outgrow that???).
Thanks ooodles and oodles
Arda
I've always made this recipe with JELLIED CRANBERRY SAUCE & a little brown sugar, instead of grape jelly. I love it because it is so easy, and my family loves the flavor!
That’s how I use to make it and my mom did too for years. Then since someone was allergic to cranberries I started dong it this way 14 years ago and love it.Usually cook it then put in crockpot but I’ll do it this way now.
Just made this evening. YUMMY!!!
I definitely want to try this! Can't believe how incredibly easy this is!
I feel that you have to cook these a long time. In fact, our family usually cooks them all day the day before, puts them in the fridge, then warms them up for the party/dinner. o.h. m.y. yummy.
We made these for a superbowl party, and they were good. I did put them in a shallow pan and broil them for a few minutes. This thickened the sauce which I think made them even better. Good recipe though!
I have twice benefited from your "This is so easy, I think everyone must know this trick" recipes (this and the pretzel turtles).
Rest assured, we don't all know the super-easy recipes, so keep them coming! I have LOVED THEM BOTH. And, as a bonus, I've received huge, undeserved compliments on the food from friends, family, and – best of all – my husband.
So, I pass the thanks on to you. 🙂 Love your site!
i make these all the time, our friends say i have the best balls! (sorry!)
My family uses this recipe and serves it over rice for dinner. Make sure to get a spoonful of sauce to drizzle on your rice cause it is so tasty!
Carolyn- yes, frozen fruit works great in the fruit salsa! I actually even really like it when it's half slushy still 🙂