Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs take the classic sweet and savory party appetizer to the next level with deep smoky flavor. These tender, juicy meatballs are coated in a rich sauce made from grape jelly and barbecue sauce, creating the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky. Whether you’re serving them at a game day gathering, holiday party, or just for a fun dinner, they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky and flavorful – The Traeger grill adds an irresistible smoky depth to the meatballs.
- Easy to make – Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this a hassle-free recipe.
- Perfect party food – A great appetizer for holidays, game nights, and potlucks.
- Sweet and tangy sauce – The combination of grape jelly and BBQ sauce creates a delicious glaze.
- Make-ahead friendly – Cook them in advance and reheat when needed.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
- Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper
For the Sauce:
- Grape jelly
- Barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- Hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat the Traeger – Set the Traeger grill to 225°F and allow it to preheat for 15 minutes.
- Mix the meatball ingredients – In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well but don’t overwork the meat.
- Form the meatballs – Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place on the smoker – Arrange the meatballs on the grill grates, making sure they’re not touching.
Step 2: Smoke the Meatballs
- Smoke for 1 hour – Smoke the meatballs at 225°F until they develop a nice smoky flavor.
Step 3: Make the Sauce and Finish Cooking
- Prepare the sauce – In a saucepan, mix grape jelly, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce (if using). Heat over low until smooth.
- Coat the meatballs – Transfer the smoked meatballs into a cast-iron skillet or foil pan. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and toss to coat.
- Increase the heat – Raise the Traeger temperature to 325°F and continue cooking for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are fully cooked.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and enjoy – Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Honey BBQ Glaze – Swap grape jelly for honey for a different sweetness.
- Teriyaki Style – Use teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Cheesy Meatballs – Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the meat mixture.
- Keto-Friendly – Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze meatballs (with or without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Simply smoke them for about 30 minutes before adding them to the sauce.
What type of wood pellets should I use?
Hickory, cherry, or applewood pellets work great for adding a rich smoky flavor.
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes! After smoking, transfer the meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours.
Do I need to sear the meatballs first?
No, smoking them directly on the grill gives them a nice texture and flavor.
Can I use a different jelly?
Yes! Raspberry, apricot, or even pineapple jelly work as tasty alternatives.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
Use a tangier BBQ sauce and add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully cook the meatballs, refrigerate them, and reheat them in the sauce.
What sides go well with these meatballs?
They pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger pan for the sauce and ensure the meatballs have space on the smoker.
How do I keep the meatballs moist?
Avoid overmixing the meat, and don’t overcook them on the smoker.
Conclusion
Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs are the perfect mix of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or a fun dinner option, they’re always a hit. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and great for meal prep, these meatballs will quickly become a favorite in your Traeger recipe collection!
PrintTraeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs
These Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs take a classic party favorite to the next level with a smoky twist. Juicy homemade or frozen meatballs are slow-smoked, then coated in a rich, tangy-sweet glaze made with grape jelly and chili sauce. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or any gathering!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Meatballs (Homemade Option):
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
OR Use 2 lbs frozen meatballs
For the Grape Jelly Sauce:
- 12 oz grape jelly
- 12 oz chili sauce (such as Heinz)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Smoker:
- Set your Traeger grill to 225°F and load it with your choice of wood pellets (hickory, cherry, or apple work best).
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
If using frozen meatballs: Skip to step 3.
If making homemade meatballs:
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
3. Smoke the Meatballs:
- Place the meatballs directly on the grill grates. Smoke for 60 minutes if using homemade, or 90 minutes if using frozen, until they develop a light crust and absorb the smoky flavor.
4. Prepare the Grape Jelly Glaze:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together grape jelly, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth.
5. Coat & Finish Cooking:
- Increase the Traeger temperature to 300°F.
- Transfer the meatballs to a grill-safe pan or cast-iron skillet. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and toss to coat.
- Smoke for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are fully glazed.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve warm.
Notes
- Want it spicier? Add 1 tbsp of hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Make it ahead: Meatballs can be smoked in advance and reheated in the sauce before serving.
- Serving Ideas: Serve on toothpicks for appetizers, over rice for a meal, or in sliders for a fun twist!