Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs are the kind of dish that makes your taste buds dance like they’re at a wedding reception. Imagine biting into a juicy meatball, perfectly infused with the sweet, tangy goodness of grape jelly, all while the smoky aroma wafts through the air from your Traeger grill. Corn ribs for cookouts It’s a flavor explosion that feels like a culinary hug on a plate, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs
- How to Make Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What are Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs?
- How do you prepare Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs?
- Can I use different types of meat for these meatballs?
- How long do Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs take to cook?
- Conclusion for Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs:
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let’s be honest. Who doesn’t love a recipe that effortlessly combines convenience and deliciousness? The sheer joy of serving up these Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs at your next party will have everyone raving about your cooking skills—even if you secretly know it’s just grape jelly working its magic. Balsamic grilled vegetables So grab your apron and prepare for an adventure in flavor that’s sure to impress!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs are incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Their unique sweet and savory flavor profile is always a crowd-pleaser.
- The vibrant colors from the sauce make them visually stunning on any platter.
- They’re versatile enough for appetizers or as a main dish over rice or pasta.
Ingredients for Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs
For more inspiration, check out this Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use 1 pound of ground beef for juicy meatballs; leaner options work too but may be less tender.
- Breadcrumbs: About 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs helps bind the meatballs together and adds texture.
- Egg: One large egg acts as a binder, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape while cooking.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.
- Garlic Powder: A teaspoon of garlic powder packs in lots of flavor without any chopping hassle!
For the Sauce:
- Grape Jelly: Use about 1 cup of grape jelly; it provides sweetness and stickiness to coat those savory meatballs.
- Soy Sauce: A splash (about 1/4 cup) balances the sweetness with some salty depth—don’t skip this!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prep Your Grill
Preheat your Traeger grill to about 350°F (175°C). This temperature will give you that wonderful smoky flavor while cooking the meatballs evenly.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, and garlic powder. Get in there with your hands (or a spoon if you prefer) and mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Form Meatballs
Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs—about one inch in diameter works best. Place them on a tray or plate as you go; this will help keep them organized before grilling.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together grape jelly and soy sauce until smooth. This sweet-savory concoction will become the star of your dish—trust me on this!
Step 5: Grill Those Meatballs
Once your grill has reached temperature, place the meatballs directly on the grill grates. Cook them for about 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
Step 6: Glaze with Sauce
During the last five minutes of grilling, brush each meatball generously with your grape jelly sauce mixture. Allow them to caramelize slightly for that ultimate sticky goodness.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with leftover sauce for the perfect finishing touch—your guests won’t be able to resist going back for seconds! Enjoy these delightful bites on game day or as part of a festive gathering; they’re sure to steal the show!
You Must Know
- Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs are not just delicious; they bring a smile to everyone’s face.
- The sweet and smoky flavors create a delightful combination that is perfect for parties or cozy family dinners.
- Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by combining your grape jelly and BBQ sauce in a bowl. Then, shape your ground meat into meatballs and preheat your Traeger grill. Once ready, smoke the meatballs until they reach a juicy perfection, glazing them with the sauce halfway through.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out grape jelly for apricot or raspberry if you’re feeling adventurous! Add crushed red pepper for a kick or throw in some chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for freshness. Customize to suit your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if they seem dry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect meatballs, ensure your mixture is well-combined but don’t overwork it to keep them tender.
- Use soaked breadcrumbs for added moisture and flavor.
- Lastly, let them rest after cooking for juicier bites.
Sometimes I catch myself reminiscing about that one time I brought these meatballs to a potluck and they vanished faster than I could say “smoked.” Friends still ask for the recipe, and honestly, who doesn’t love a good grape jelly moment?
FAQs:
What are Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs?
Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs are a delicious appetizer made by combining ground meat, breadcrumbs, and grape jelly for a sweet and savory flavor. These meatballs are cooked on a Traeger grill, which infuses them with a smoky taste that elevates their overall flavor profile. Smoky grilled watermelon The unique combination of grape jelly and spices creates a delightful dish perfect for parties or family gatherings.
How do you prepare Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs?
To prepare Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs, start by mixing ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic powder, and spices. Form the mixture into small balls and place them on the grill grates. While they cook at a low temperature, brush them with grape jelly to enhance their flavor. This process not only adds sweetness but also helps create a caramelized exterior that makes the meatballs irresistible.
Can I use different types of meat for these meatballs?
Absolutely! You can use various types of ground meat to make Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs. Ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even pork work well in this recipe. Each type offers a distinctive flavor and texture. Turkey bacon ranch sliders Feel free to experiment by mixing different meats or adding spices to customize your meatball mixture according to your taste preferences.
How long do Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs take to cook?
Typically, Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs take about 30-40 minutes to cook thoroughly at 225°F. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the meatballs and the specific model of your Traeger grill. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. This ensures juicy and perfectly cooked meatballs every time.
Conclusion for Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs:
In summary, Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs provide a delightful combination of sweet and smoky flavors that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, these meatballs make an excellent dish for any occasion. Whether served as appetizers or part of a main meal, they are sure to impress your guests. Try making them at your next gathering for an unforgettable culinary experience! For more inspiration, check out this Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe.
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📖 Recipe Card
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Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that are sure to impress at any gathering. Infused with grape jelly and kissed by smoky grill aromas, these juicy meatballs make for a perfect appetizer or main dish. Easy to prepare, they are ideal for parties, game days, or cozy family dinners. With their vibrant color and irresistible taste, these meatballs will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and garlic powder until mixed well.
- Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs.
- In another bowl, mix grape jelly and soy sauce until smooth.
- Place meatballs on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Brush meatballs with the grape jelly sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
