Bold & Tangy Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

Bubbling with tangy excitement, these traeger smoked grape jelly meatballs promise a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance.

Rich, smoky notes intertwine with sweet grape jelly, creating a mouthwatering fusion you won’t forget.

Tender meatballs emerge from the grill with a perfectly caramelized exterior that seals in juicy goodness.

Each bite brings a delightful contrast of savory and sweet elements that spark conversation around the table.

Smoking adds depth and complexity, elevating this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crafted with care and minimal ingredients, these meatballs showcase how simple techniques can create remarkable culinary experiences.

Grab your apron and fire up the traeger – an unforgettable meal awaits you.

Stuff You Need For Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: A classic combo for juicy, flavorful meatballs with rich depth of taste. Lean-to-fat ratio around 80/20 works best for moist texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs: Help hold meatballs together and add structure. Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crispness.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for building core flavor profile.

• Grape Jelly, Barbecue Sauce: Creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully during smoking. Opt for high-quality, low-sugar grape jelly for best results.
• Hot Sauce (Optional): Adds a gentle kick to balance the sweetness of the grape jelly.

Easy Steps For Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

Step 1: Fire Up The Smoker

Prepare your Traeger grill by setting the temperature to 225°F. Select your favorite wood pellets like hickory, cherry, or apple to create a delicious smoky flavor that will infuse the meatballs with incredible depth.

Step 2: Craft Delectable Meatballs

Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, diced onions, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into uniform meatballs, creating bite-sized rounds that will cook evenly.

Step 3: Arrange On The Grill

Place the meatballs directly on the grill grates, ensuring they are spaced evenly to allow smoke to circulate. Close the lid and let the magic of slow smoking begin.

Step 4: Prepare Grape Jelly Sauce

• Grape jelly
• Barbecue sauce
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce

Stir until the ingredients are completely blended, creating a sweet and tangy coating.

Step 5: Coat And Finish

After the meatballs have smoked for about 45 minutes and reached an internal temperature of 160°F, brush them generously with the grape jelly sauce. Continue smoking for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, delicious exterior.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the meatballs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and watch as your guests devour these smoky, sweet, and savory treats that are perfect for any gathering.

Helpful Tips For Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

• Optimize Wood Pellet Selection: Choose hickory for bold flavor, cherry for sweet notes, or apple for mild, fruity undertones that complement the grape jelly's sweetness.
• Maintain Consistent Temperature: Keep your Traeger grill steady at 225F to ensure even smoking and prevent overcooking the meatballs, which can make them tough and dry.
• Prepare Meatballs in Advance: Form meatballs beforehand and refrigerate to help them hold their shape during smoking, creating a more uniform texture and easier handling.
• Use Grape Jelly Wisely: Select a high-quality grape jelly with minimal additives for a richer, more authentic flavor that caramelizes beautifully during the smoking process.
• Create Foil Tray Protection: Line a foil tray with parchment paper to catch drippings and prevent sticking, making cleanup easier and protecting the delicate meatballs from direct heat.

Best Way To Store Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

• Refrigerate leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the meatballs completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of extra grape jelly sauce to keep them moist and flavorful when serving again.

Top Pairings For Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

• Pair with Tangy Coleslaw: Cut through the rich, sweet meatballs with a zesty, crunchy coleslaw that adds freshness and texture to each bite.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the smoky, sweet grape jelly meatballs, enhancing their deep flavor profile.
• Serve Alongside Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a comforting base that soaks up the delicious grape jelly sauce and provides a smooth contrast to the meaty texture.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top to add a bright, green element that lifts the dish's overall richness and provides a pop of color.

New Ways To Try Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

• Classic Grape Glazed Oven Meatballs: Skip the Traeger and bake these savory spheres in a standard oven at 350F, using the same grape jelly sauce for a quick weeknight dinner option.
• Spicy Chipotle Grape Meatball Fusion: Add diced chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to the grape jelly mix for a smoky, fiery kick that elevates the original recipe's flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Grape Comfort: Transform the recipe by preparing meatballs in a crockpot, allowing them to simmer slowly in the grape jelly sauce for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh oregano, mint, and ground lamb into the meatball mixture, complementing the sweet grape jelly with aromatic Mediterranean seasonings.

Q&A About Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

• What makes these meatballs special on a Traeger grill?

The Traeger allows for consistent, low-and-slow smoking that infuses the meatballs with incredible wood-fired flavor, creating a more complex taste profile compared to oven-baked versions.

• Can I use store-bought or frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade meatballs are great, pre-made frozen meatballs work perfectly and save time without compromising the delicious smoky grape jelly taste.

• Do I need a special wood pellet for this recipe?

While hickory, cherry, and apple pellets are recommended, you can experiment with mild woods that complement the sweet and savory flavors. Each wood type will subtly change the meatballs’ overall taste profile.

• Is a Traeger grill necessary for making these meatballs?

Not completely. While a Traeger provides the best smoky flavor, you can adapt the recipe for an oven or standard grill by adjusting cooking temperatures and times to achieve similar results.

Why Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs Hit The Spot

• Quick and Easy Meal: These grape jelly meatballs deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: The sweet and savory combination appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family dinners and potlucks.
• Versatile Smoking Technique: Using a Traeger grill allows for effortless wood-fired flavor infusion, transforming simple meatballs into a gourmet-style appetizer or main course.
• Minimal Ingredient Complexity: With just a few ingredients and simple preparation steps, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels to create a delicious smoked dish.

Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Tangy “Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs” blend smoky barbecue charm with sweet and savory notes. Hearty comfort meets grill mastery, promising a crowd-pleasing feast you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 pound (1 lb) ground pork

Main Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Sauce and Optional Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (12 oz) grape jelly
• 12 ounces (12 oz) chili sauce (such as Heinz)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Fire up the Traeger grill, positioning the temperature dial precisely at 225 degrees fahrenheit for optimal smoking conditions.
2. Select premium wood pellets like hickory, cherry, or apple to infuse the meatballs with a rich, complex aromatic profile.
3. Craft uniform meatballs, ensuring consistent size and shape to promote even smoking and cooking throughout.
4. Meticulously arrange the meatballs on a clean grill grate, spacing them to allow uninterrupted smoke circulation.
5. Close the Traeger lid, allowing the gentle wood smoke to envelop the meatballs, transforming their texture and developing deep, nuanced flavors.
6. Smoke the meatballs for approximately 60-75 minutes, monitoring internal temperature to guarantee thorough cooking without drying.
7. While smoking, prepare the grape jelly glaze by whisking together grape jelly, tangy barbecue sauce, and optional complementary spices.
8. Once meatballs reach a safe internal temperature, generously brush them with the glossy grape jelly mixture, creating a luscious, caramelized exterior.
9. Return the glazed meatballs to the smoker for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and intensify the flavor profile.
10. Remove the meatballs from the Traeger, letting them rest briefly before serving to allow juices to redistribute and enhance overall succulence.

Notes

• Choose mild wood pellets like hickory or fruit woods to enhance the meatballs’ smoky flavor without overpowering the grape jelly sweetness.
• Prepare meatballs in advance and freeze them for quick smoking, ensuring consistent size and texture for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 160F to guarantee food safety while maintaining juicy, tender meatballs.
• Consider using lean ground beef mixed with ground pork for a more complex flavor profile and improved moisture retention during smoking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg