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
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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
I was introduced by a friend to your site,love it. I have 7 kids who all loved these,pretty amazing to get all 7 on the same page! Took them to a wedding shower and everyone wanted the recipe,were shocked it was so simple! Thank you for all your hard work that makes my life a bit easier! All these recipes are wonderful!
I’ve never made these before but plan to try this recipe for a hockey lunch tomorrow. I’m hoping to impress hockey moms. Fingers crossed!
@Jill: I spice up the sauce a little bit, by adding Worcestershire, dry mustard powder, and garlic powder (all to taste). I also do cut-up Kielbasa pieces, instead of meatballs. I think sauteed onions would be fantastic. This is my Super Bowl standard recipe (along with bacon-wrapped dates and hot cheesy spinach-artichoke dip!). You’ll love it, and you won’t have any leftovers.
OK…what’s muddie buddies?
Does anyone fancy up the sauce with sauteed onions or anything? Was thinking about this for Super Bowl Sunday!
I love the meatball idea; I’ll add it to the chicken recipe I’ve used for years.
Uncooked chicken pieces in apricot preserves, chile sauce and dry onion soup mix, and bake or slow cooker. Simply delish!
Can this recipe be used in the microwave?
It *could* be, but I think it’s better when simmered for a while.
how long after cooking can I leave in refridg
after cooking the cocktail meat balls , how long can I leave them in refidge
I used a can of the jellied cranberry sauce instead of grape jelly with the chili sauce. Same good results! You are right about Heinz Chili Sauce! I tried store brand ONCE! Never again.