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 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 lbs Frozen Cocktail Size Meatballs
- 32 oz jar Welch's Grape Jelly
- 2 12 oz jars Heinz Chili Sauce
- In a medium sauce pan, combine the grape jelly and chili sauce. Stir well and heat until grape jelly has melted.
- Place the frozen meatball in the crockpot.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
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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.
I love when recipes have such a fun family story attached! What a great way to honor your father by serving his favorite dish!
Thanks, Barb!
I sometimes add grape jelly to spaghetti sauce. Adding the jelly to meatballs would be good too.
Heather, I never thought about adding it to spaghetti sauce, I need to try that!
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!
Jenny, Thanks so much. I hope you enjoy them!
I’ve had a raspberry BBQ version before, but I’ll bet these are just as good. Need to give it a try!
I`d have to say Crowder
Add a little sriracha, about a tablespoon at a time until you get the heat you want.
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.
Destiny, I know some people make this sauce for spaghetti too, so maybe try that.
Can we make this in the oven 🙂
I’ve never tried.
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!