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You are here: Home / Recipes / Grape Jelly Meatballs aka “Walt’s Balls”

Grape Jelly Meatballs aka “Walt’s Balls”

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January 8, 2016 by cindy 17 Comments

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Yes, I know, some of you are already taken aback by the title “Walt’s Balls”. I’m sorry. There is a story here and it is a tad bit crass but, it is a family story and we decided it was a story we wanted to share. If you are afraid of being offended, just jump down to the recipe. If you want to know why this story is part of our family, read on.

grape jelly meatballs

 

The Story of Walt’s Balls

I have been making Grape Jelly Meatballs for years. I was introduced to them at a Women’s Ministry Meeting years ago and I had to have the recipe. I make them for holidays, potlucks and of course the Super Bowl. My dad, Walt, loved these meatballs. A few years ago he started a new job as a security guard at the emergency room of a local hospital. He worked mostly weekend overnights but filled in whenever he was needed. He LOVED this job and the people he worked with. The ER staff regularly celebrated birthdays and other holidays and celebrations with potluck meals. Dad always brought the Grape Jelly Meatballs. Quickly they became known throughout the hospital as “Walt’s Balls”. Doctors, nurses and other staff would ask him regularly, “When are we getting more Walt’s Balls?” Dad loved the crassness of them name and the fact that everyone loved his meatballs.

When daddy passed away on November 17, 2015, we all knew we had to make a batch of Walt’s Balls for the meal after his memorial service. We should have made several batches because as soon as they were put on the table, they were gone. Everyone, especially the hospital workers present, had to get one more serving of their favorite grape jelly meatballs.

I made Walt’s Balls for New Years Day and in our family, they will forever be known as Walt’s Balls no longer to be called Grape Jelly Meatballs.

Grape Jelly Meatballs aka Walt's Balls

Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe

This recipe cooks up nice and easy in a crockpot. I prefer a good programmable crockpot so that even if I’m not going to be at home, I can set it to start and cook so that the meatballs are ready when I need them.

4.5 from 4 votes
grape jelly meatballs
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Grape Jelly Meatballs aka "Walt's Balls"
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
4 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs 5 mins
 
Grape Jelly Meatballs are a delicious and easy addition to any party, potluck or tailgating event. They also reheat well for lunch!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 lbs meatballs
Author: Cindy Schultz
Ingredients
  • 4 lbs Frozen Cocktail Size Meatballs
  • 32 oz jar Welch's Grape Jelly
  • 2 12 oz jars Heinz Chili Sauce
Instructions
  1. In a medium sauce pan, combine the grape jelly and chili sauce. Stir well and heat until grape jelly has melted.
  2. Place the frozen meatball in the crockpot.
  3. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
  4. Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

 

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Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: crockpot appetizer, crockpot recipe, easy recipes, grape jelly meatballs, sweet and sour meatballs

About cindy

I'm Cindy aka TheMomMaven. I'm a happily married empty nester living in Tampa Bay. I love all things Disney and I blog about easy recipes, family travel, family entertainement as well as product reviews and giveaways.

Comments

  1. Coralie says

    January 8, 2016 at 5:38 pm

    This is really cool. I know that my son would eat the whole bowl. He already loves meatballs and the grape jelly would put them over the top! Thanks for the great idea and recipe.
    Coralie recently posted..HomeMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Barb W. says

    January 8, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    I love when recipes have such a fun family story attached! What a great way to honor your father by serving his favorite dish!

    Reply
    • cindy says

      January 11, 2016 at 2:32 pm

      Thanks, Barb!

      Reply
  3. Heather Johnson says

    January 9, 2016 at 11:19 am

    I sometimes add grape jelly to spaghetti sauce. Adding the jelly to meatballs would be good too.

    Reply
    • cindy says

      January 11, 2016 at 2:32 pm

      Heather, I never thought about adding it to spaghetti sauce, I need to try that!

      Reply
  4. Jenny says

    January 10, 2016 at 7:56 am

    Thank you for sharing the recipe and the story behind the name. My mom suggested I make meatballs with chilli sauce in a crockpot for a party. She didn’t tell me any measurements. Now, Walt’s Balls will be served at my sons first birthday party. Thank you again, and sorry for your loss!

    Reply
    • cindy says

      January 11, 2016 at 2:33 pm

      Jenny, Thanks so much. I hope you enjoy them!

      Reply
  5. Scott says

    January 11, 2016 at 10:35 am

    I’ve had a raspberry BBQ version before, but I’ll bet these are just as good. Need to give it a try!
    Scott recently posted..Powerball Madness. Dreaming of Riches.My Profile

    Reply
  6. Lori Thomas says

    January 13, 2016 at 7:23 am

    I`d have to say Crowder

    Reply
  7. John Thomas says

    July 29, 2016 at 11:21 am

    Add a little sriracha, about a tablespoon at a time until you get the heat you want.

    Reply
  8. Destiny says

    January 17, 2017 at 2:58 pm

    Just curious if your not having a potluck what would serve with them for dinner? Only thing i can think of is mac n cheese. I have had these before years ago at a reunion and were delicious.

    Reply
    • cindy says

      January 24, 2017 at 11:07 am

      Destiny, I know some people make this sauce for spaghetti too, so maybe try that.

      Reply
  9. Mary says

    April 3, 2018 at 5:29 pm

    Can we make this in the oven 🙂

    Reply
    • cindy says

      April 3, 2018 at 5:31 pm

      I’ve never tried.

      Reply
  10. Debbie says

    August 26, 2018 at 1:21 am

    We have been eating these meatballs for about 40 years as Grammy’s Meatballs. We have never used the frozen meatballs though. We use fresh meatballs hand made mixed with fine breadcrumbs, worchestershire sause, parsley flakes and minced onion. Then we pan fry the meatballs ,remove them, melt the sauce, add the meatballs back in and simmer till done. We have served at every special function for 40years and still do today. Christmas Eve is the biggest. Usually 10lbs of meat! God Bless traditions!

    Reply
  11. Jen says

    December 31, 2019 at 2:45 pm

    I am going to make these today for a New Years Eve party. I can’t wait to tell the story and I shall call them Walts Balls.

    Reply
    • cindy says

      January 3, 2020 at 1:32 pm

      Thanks Jen! I hop you enjoyed them!

      Reply

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