Grape Jelly and BBQ Sourdough Meatball Recipe
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Juicy homemade BBQ Sourdough Meatballs, covered in a sweet, savory, and tangy sauce – the easiest appetizer for your next holiday party or game day get-together. Sourdough Meatballs made with sourdough breadcrumbs are perfectly complimented with a simple two-ingredient sauce, grape jelly, and barbeque sauce, in this easy stovetop recipe.
Welcome to the perfect party appetizer – BBQ Sourdough Meatballs! These homemade delights are a breeze to make, requiring just a few minutes of prep time.
Picture juicy meatballs with a delightful mix of sweet grape jelly and a touch of tangy sourdough breadcrumbs. I know it might sound strange, but trust me, it works!
They’re not just easy; they’re a game-changer for holiday parties or your next game-day bash.
What makes these meatballs stand out? The secret is in the simplicity. No need for frozen ones – they’re often rubbery and lack flavor, but these homemade goodies are sure to get rave reviews.
Bake them, then cook them on the stovetop or toss them in the slow cooker with the sauce! You’re good to go, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
These meatballs will be a hit, earning their spot as your go-to appetizer or even a main course for special occasions.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Simple Ingredients
You won’t believe how quickly this BBQ Sourdough Meatball recipe comes together. These tender meatballs are made with pantry staples and the sauce only requires 2 ingredients. How simple is that?
Delicious and Easy
Grocery store meatballs won’t stand a chance next to these juicy homemade Sourdough Meatballs. Add the simple, tangy sauce on top, and you have an easy appetizer that everyone will love!
No Food Waste
Whenever I have some over-proofed or stale sourdough bread, instead of throwing it away, I love repurposing it! Making homemade sourdough breadcrumbs isn’t only a breeze, but it makes delicious Sourdough Meatballs. A win-win!
Ingredients
Sourdough Meatballs
Ground beef – I used lean ground beef, but you can use whatever ground beef you have available.
Homemade Sourdough Breadcrumbs – You’ll find simple instructions below on how to create homemade sourdough breadcrumbs.
Egg – Adds moisture to these juicy meatballs.
Seasonings – A mixture of garlic powder, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and parmesan cheese offers the perfect flavoring for these Sourdough Meatballs.
Grape Jelly Sauce
Barbecue Sauce – Brings smokiness and tang to this simple sauce.
Grape Jelly – I know what you’re thinking, grape jelly? But I promise, you won’t taste the grape flavor! Instead, you’ll be left with the perfect balance of sweetness to the BBQ sauce.
Supplies
Parchment Paper
Medium Sauce Pan or Crock Pot
HOW TO MAKE SOURDOUGH BREADCRUMBS:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees f.
Add 1-inch cubed pieces of sourdough bread, fresh or stale, into a food processor. Process on high for 30 seconds for coarse sourdough breadcrumbs or for 1-2 minutes for fine sourdough breadcrumbs.
I prefer a more coarse breadcrumb for this recipe as the bread softens and leads to more airy meatballs.
Spread the bread crumbs on a large rimmed baking sheet in an even layer and place into the preheated oven.
Bake for 5 minutes, stir, and then bake for an additional 10 minutes. The bread crumbs should turn to a golden brown color and be dry to the touch. Continue to bake for a few extra minutes if necessary.
Remove the sourdough breadcrumbs from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.
Return the breadcrumbs to the food processor and process if you desire more fine breadcrumbs.
HOW TO MAKE SOURDOUGH MEATBALLS:
MIX
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees f.
Add ground beef, homemade sourdough breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, parsley, basil, salt, and parmesan cheese to a large bowl. Mix by hand until the ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing the ingredients can lead to a tough meatball.
FORM
Scoop 1 Tablespoon of the meat mixture, form into meatballs, and place them on a baking sheet. This recipe makes 40 medium-sized meatballs.
BAKE
Bake the meatballs in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are browned and crispy. You know the meatballs are done when their internal temperature has reached at least 160 degrees f.
SAUCE
In a small saucepan on medium heat, add the BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Whisk occasionally. Once the sauce is warm and combined, add the sourdough meatballs and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations
If you’re looking for a little more kick, swap BBQ sauce for Heinz chili sauce!
Have leftover canned cranberry sauce? Swap out the jelly for equal amounts of cranberry sauce for sweet cranberry meatballs.
Little smokies are also delicious in this grape jelly meatball recipe.
Feel free to experiment with other types of jellies, such as apple jelly, apricot preserves, or orange marmalade.
How to Serve
This Sourdough Grape Jelly Meatball recipe can be served as a main dish or as a great appetizer!
For a simple dinner, serve these BBQ Sourdough Meatballs with a side of rice or mashed potatoes. Or serve these at your next game day or holiday party as the perfect appetizer with toothpicks.
How to Store
Store leftover BBQ Sourdough Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave until warm, or reheat in a small saucepan.
FAQs:
Why use grape jelly?
Grape jelly adds a unique sweet and tangy flavor to the meatballs. It also creates a delicious glaze when combined with barbecue sauce! I promise you won’t taste the grape flavor.
Can you freeze these sourdough meatballs?
Absolutely! Once the Sourdough Meatballs are baked and cooled to room temperature, place the baking sheet in the freezer for a quick flash freeze. Once the cooked meatballs are frozen, store them in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat, place the frozen meatballs and the sauce ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 3-4 hours.
Happy baking!
More Sourdough Appetizer Recipes Like This:
Fried Pickles with Sourdough Breadcrumbs
Crunchy Sourdough Flatbread Chips
Homemade Fried Sourdough Chicken Tenders
Grape Jelly and BBQ Sourdough Meatball Recipe
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Equipment
- small saucepan
Ingredients
Sourdough Breadcrumbs
- 1 loaf sourdough bread
Sourdough Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3/4 cup sourdough breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
BBQ Sauce
- 12 ounces grape jelly
- 12 ounces bbq sauce
Instructions
HOW TO MAKE SOURDOUGH BREADCRUMBS:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
- Add cubed pieces of sourdough bread, fresh or stale, into a food processor. Process on high for 30 seconds for coarse sourdough breadcrumbs or for 1-2 minutes for fine sourdough breadcrumbs.1 loaf sourdough bread
- Spread the breadcrumbs on a large rimmed baking sheet in an even layer and place into the preheated oven.
- Bake for 5 minutes, stir, and then bake for an additional 10 minutes. The bread crumbs should turn to a golden brown color and be dry to the touch. Continue to bake for a few extra minutes if necessary.
- Remove the sourdough breadcrumbs from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.
- Return the breadcrumbs to the food processor and process if you desire more fine breadcrumbs.
HOW TO MAKE SOURDOUGH MEATBALLS:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Add the ground beef, homemade sourdough breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, parsley, basil, salt, and parmesan cheese to a large bowl. Mix by hand until the ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing the ingredients can lead to a tough meatball.1 lb ground beef, 3/4 cup sourdough breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon parsley, 1/4 teaspoon basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- Scoop 1 Tablespoon of the meat mixture, form into meatballs, and place them on a baking sheet. This recipe makes 40 medium-sized meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are browned and crispy. You know the meatballs are done when their internal temperature has reached at least 160 degrees F.
SAUCE
- In a small saucepan on medium heat, add the BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Whisk occasionally. Once the sauce is warm and combined, add the sourdough meatballs and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!12 ounces grape jelly, 12 ounces bbq sauce
Notes
Variations
- If you’re looking for a little more kick, swap Heinz chili sauce for BBQ for a spicy sauce!
- Have leftover canned cranberry sauce? Swap out the jelly for equal amounts of cranberry sauce for sweet cranberry meatballs.
- Little smokies are also delicious in this grape jelly meatball recipe.
- Feel free to experiment with other jellies, such as apple jelly, apricot preserves, or orange marmalade.
The meatballs are so tender and juicy! Love how easy and delicious the sauce is.