This grape jelly barbecue sauce has been a staple in many Midwest homes. It is the basic sauce for slow cooker meatballs that are served at so many gatherings.

Basic BBQ Sauce Recipe Passed Down Through the Decades

This sauce recipe is so easy, yet it continues to be a favorite among many. I can hardly remember a party where someone is not serving something slathered in this rich tasting goodness.

It is a recipe that gets passed down through the ages either because someone in your family made it or you attended a potluck with this sauce covering meatballs, wings, and ribs and had to have the recipe.

Simple Sauce for Grilling Favorites

If you have ever had slow cooker meatballs at a party in the Midwest, my guess is that they were coated with this grape jelly barbecue sauce. They seem to have become the standard appetizer for backyard parties and gameday gatherings.

Part of what makes this taste so good is the combination of the grape jelly with the BBQ sauce. The grape jelly brings a robust sweet undertone. Depending on your BBQ sauce preference, it can bring added heat and tomato flavor, or a rich and briny profile to the party.

Basic Three Ingredient BBQ Sauce Recipe

Today I share the tried-and-true basic sauce recipe. However, there are so many variations that folks have come up with. You can use this recipe just as written, or you can do a few simple upgrades and personalize this sauce to your liking.

This barbecue sauce is so easy; made from just three ingredients.

Two types of BBQ sauce and Grape jelly. That is all it takes.

Depending on how I am using this sauce, I whisk the ingredients together and use it cold as a brush on grilling or baked sauce. If I am going to serve this as a dipping sauce, then I will cook it just until the grape jelly has melted and combined with the BBQ sauces.

Recipe Variations

I will give you a few recipe variations to get you started.

If you like more spice and heat in your sauce, try adding these ingredients.

Hot sauce
Chili flakes
Finely diced jalapeno
Chili sauce
Dry mustard powder

If you prefer a bit of a smoky taste here are a few options.

Smoked paprika
Chipotle powder
Liquid smoke

Some folks prefer a bit of a vinegary tang, if that is you, here are a few ideas.

Rice vinegar
Apple cider vinegar
White vinegar

However, for us, we love this sauce as is.

Glazed Meatballs Served with Toothpicks — Glazed Meatballs

Be the Envy of the Neighborhood with Your Grilling Skills

Be the envy of your family and friends with your sauce. This is delicious basted on chicken, ribs, pulled pork, hamburgers, and of course pork too.

If you prefer to slather this on the meat and bake it, this comes out perfectly scrumptious too.

Make this Grape Jelly Barbecue Sauce Condiment for a Wide Variety of Recipes

Just think about how lovely this would be as a meatloaf topping. Making a pulled pork sandwich? Make it even better with this sauce. So easy and quick too.

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