Jezebel Sauce Meatballs
Jezebel sauce is a vintage sweet heat sauce made with 3 simple ingredients- apple jelly, pineapple or apricot preserves and prepared horseradish. This cocktail meatball recipe is a spin-off of the classic Southern grape jelly meatball recipe. Remember back in the 60’s, when Southern cocktail meatballs served at parties straight from the slow cooker? Well, this recipe is just as easy and delicious and perfect for party meatballs for the holidays.
What is Jezebel sauce?
This old fashioned Jezebel sauce recipe is simple, yet versatile combination of apple jelly, pineapple or apricot preserves and prepared horseradish. Traditionally, it was served over a block of cream cheese, however it can be used as a sauce, marinade, as a dip for your charcuterie board or served with biscuits or toast.
If you like the flavor combination of sweet and heat, you might like these recipes: Braised Short Ribs with Gouda Grits. Other meatball recipes that work well for parties are: Swedish Meatballs, Asian Chicken Meatballs and Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs.
Ingredients
As mentioned earlier, you just need a few simple ingredients.
- Apple jelly – not Apple Butter! Plain apple jelly
- Pineapple preserves – these are often hard to find; substitute with Apricot preserves
- Prepared horseradish – this is usually in the cold seafood section of your grocer. This is not the same as prepared horseradish sauce or horseradish sauce – neither of these will work in this recipe
- Red pepper flakes – optional; if you prefer more heat, add to taste
- Meatballs – you can make homemade meatballs or buy frozen meatballs. Either way, you want “homestyle” meatballs that are not seasoned with Italian seasonings. Just plain ole’ meatballs.
Can I use frozen meatballs for Jezebel cocktail meatballs?
Yes. Frozen or homemade “classic” meatballs work great with this sauce. If using frozen, you can either thaw them in the refrigerator first or put them directly into the slow cooker frozen. Thawed meatballs will slow cook for about 2 hours on low heat; frozen will take longer – about 4-6 hours on low heat.
How to make Jezebel meatballs
- Thaw the frozen meatballs in the refrigerator.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the jelly, preserves and horseradish
- Season to taste with a little salt; add red pepper flakes (optional)
- Place meatballs in a slow cooker in a single layer if possible
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and cook on low heat for 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If cooking frozen meatballs that aren’t thawed, cook on low heat 4-6 hours.
- Gently stir occasionally, redistributing the Jezebel sauce over all of the meatballs.
- When ready to serve, either serve directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a chafing dish.
How do you serve Jezebel cocktail meatballs on a charcuterie board?
- The best and safest way to serve cocktail meatballs on a charcuterie is to keep them warm. The USDA recommends keeping the cocktail meatballs at 140°F in either a slow cooker or chafing dish.
- Provide cocktail skewers so guests can help themselves
- Put a spoon next to the serving vessel in the event a guest wants to add more of the Jezebel sauce to their plate.
These sweet and spicy cocktail meatballs are perfect for entertaining any time of the year and they make a great alternative to grape jelly meatballs for your holiday party!
Jezebel Sauce Meatballs
Equipment
- Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 18 ounces pineapple preserves (or apricot preserves)
- 18 ounces apple jelly
- 8.5 ounces prepared horseradish (see recipe notes)
- 3 tablespoons dried mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt , (optional and to taste)
- 2 pounds frozen homestyle meatballs (see recipe notes)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:18 ounces pineapple preserves (or apricot preserves), 18 ounces apple jelly, 8.5 ounces prepared horseradish, 3 tablespoons dried mustard, ½ teaspoon salt
- Turn slow cooker to low heat; add meatballs in a single layer if possible. Pour sauce over meatballs; stir gently. Stir again gently in about an hour to ensure all the meatballs are well coated.2 pounds frozen homestyle meatballs
