EASY LIL SMOKIES & MEATBALL APPETIZER

Published by Jessica on December 21, 2018

This Easy Meatball appetizer uses simple pantry staples like BBQ sauce, chili sauce, and grape jelly to create a sweet-and-savory glaze everyone loves. Toss it with frozen meatballs and Lil Smokies for a quick, crowd-pleasing party dish that practically cooks itself.

Easy Meatball appetizer recipe made with an incredible 3 ingredient sauce that everyone raves about! Combine frozen meatballs & Lil Smokies in this simple & delicious appetizer recipe perfect for parties.

This meatball appetizer recipe is probably one of the simplest appetizers out there and it’s such a crowd pleaser. I’ve tasted many versions, but my meatball sauce recipe is THE BEST! It’s got a great smoky, sweet flavor, unlike other meatball appetizer sauces that end up just tasting like BBQ sauce.

Making it is so easy too! All you need is some Lil Smokies and meatballs (I just use store-bought frozen meatballs, but you’re welcome to make your own), barbecue sauce, chili sauce, and grape jelly. I use the Kraft Thick and Spicy Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce, but again, you’re welcome to use whatever type of barbecue sauce you’d like.

Lil Smokies & Meatballs Appetizer Ingredients

Lil Smokies: Add a smoky, savory bite that soaks up the sweet-and-tangy sauce beautifully.

Frozen meatballs: Provide a hearty, meaty base that makes the appetizer filling and satisfying.

BBQ sauce: Brings bold, smoky sweetness that forms the backbone of the glaze.

Chili sauce: Adds tangy depth and a subtle kick to balance the sweetness.

Grape jelly: Melts into the sauce for a glossy finish and that signature sweet, sticky flavor.

Tips & Tricks for making Meatball & Lil Smokies Appetizer

Whisk the sauce before it heats up fully: Mixing BBQ sauce, chili sauce, and grape jelly early helps them emulsify smoothly so you don’t end up with stubborn jelly lumps later.
Warm the sauce first before adding the meat: Letting the sauce get hot and cohesive on its own ensures it clings better to the meatballs and Lil Smokies instead of thinning out their flavor.
Stir halfway through simmering: A quick stir about 15 minutes in helps prevent sticking and makes sure every piece gets evenly coated in that glossy glaze.
Don’t rush the low simmer time: Those 30 minutes aren’t just for cooking—they’re what transforms the sauce into that thick, sticky coating that makes this appetizer addictive.

How long are leftovers of this appetizer good for?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this appetizer will stay good for about 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but it loosens back up nicely when reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing is possible, and it actually works pretty well—just cool it completely first and freeze for up to 2–3 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove so the sauce stays smooth and the meatballs don’t get rubbery.

Lil’ Smokies & Meatball Appetizer recipe

4.75 from 8 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: meatball appetizer

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 50

Servings: servings

Calories: 254kcal

Author: Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

14 oz package Lil Smokies
25 meatballs one 14-oz package frozen meatballs
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup chili sauce
1 cup grape Jelly

Instructions

Combine both sauces and jelly in a saucepan and whisk to combine. Turn heat on medium and put the lid on the pot. After about 5-8 minutes, once the sauce has heated up a bit, whisk again until smooth.
Add meatballs and Lil Smokies. Turn heat down to medium-low, replace lid and cook for about 30 minutes.
You can also cook these in the crockpot: Add all ingredients and cook on medium 2-3 hours. (Really, the meat is already cooked in both instances. You're looking to defrost and heat the meatballs and help the flavors of the sauce meld.)
Serve in the crock pot on warm, or transfer to a ceramic or porcelain bowl. Place appetizer forks or toothpicks nearby for easy snacking. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container, keep in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

They can also be frozen for up to 2–3 months, then thawed overnight and gently reheated for best texture.

Nutrition

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How to keep Meatball & Lil Smokies appetizers warm

I serve these game day meatballs and smokies in a ceramic or porcelain bowl. Ceramic and porcelain retain heat well, so if you serve the meatballs and smokies hot, they’ll stay warm for around 30 minutes, which is usually more than enough time since they tend to get eaten quickly!

And of course if you cook them in the crockpot you can turn it on low or warm and serve it from in the crockpot.

Do I have to use both meatballs and Lil Smokies?

No, you can use just one or the other, but combining them gives a nice mix of textures and flavors.

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Absolutely—just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the sauce so everything heats evenly.

What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce; if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer to thicken.

Enjoy more of our easy appetizer recipes here:

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All the gooey, campfire magic of classic s’mores—made right in your oven in minutes, no fire required. Toasty marshmallows, melty chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers come together for an easy Smore’s treat that disappears almost as fast as it bakes.

Juicy meatballs and Lil Smokies get coated in a sticky-sweet, tangy glaze made from BBQ sauce, chili sauce, and grape jelly for an instant party win. It’s a low-effort, high-reward appetizer that simmers into pure crowd-pleasing magic while you do literally anything else.

EASY LIL SMOKIES & MEATBALL APPETIZER

📫 Save this recipe! Send it to your email! 📩

Lil Smokies & Meatballs Appetizer Ingredients

Tips & Tricks for making Meatball & Lil Smokies Appetizer

How long are leftovers of this appetizer good for?