Description
Slow-cooker holiday “Festive Crockpot Appetizers” bring effortless cheer to seasonal gatherings with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Guests will savor warm, delectable bites that sparkle with comfort and culinary creativity without complicated kitchen work.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) cocktail meatballs
Sauces and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Whisk together grape jelly, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes in the crockpot, creating a rich, glossy sauce base.
- Gently nestle cocktail meatballs into the sauce, ensuring each one is thoroughly coated with the sweet and tangy mixture.
- Secure the crockpot lid and slow-cook on low temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to gradually thicken for 2-3 hours.
- Once meatballs are heated thoroughly and sauce reaches a luxurious consistency, transfer to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant garnish and added freshness.
- Serve immediately with decorative toothpicks, allowing guests to easily enjoy these succulent, saucy appetizers.
Notes
- Adjust sauce sweetness by balancing grape jelly and mustard for a more complex flavor profile.
- Customize heat levels by controlling the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit different spice tolerances.
- Swap frozen meatballs with homemade or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences and personalized taste.
- Prevent sauce from burning by stirring occasionally and keeping crockpot temperature consistent on low setting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg