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Grape Jelly Barbecue Sauce

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.

Grape Jelly Barbecue Sauce
Grape Jelly Barbecue Sauce

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.

BBQ chicken
BBQ chicken

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.

Grape Jelly BBQ Sauce
Grape Jelly BBQ Sauce

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
Glazed Pork Ribs
Glazed Pork Ribs

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

  • Smoked paprika
  • Chipotle powder
  • Liquid smoke
Grilled Ribs with Barbeque Sauce
Grilled Ribs with Barbeque Sauce

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.

Pulled Pork with Barbeque Sauce
Pulled Pork with Barbeque Sauce

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.

Grape Jelly Barbecue Sauce
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Grape Jelly Barbecue Sauce

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
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Appetizer, lunch, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: barbeque sauce, bbq dipping sauce, bbq sauce, condiment, grape jelly sauce, sauce
Servings: 8 Servings 2-cups
Calories: 198kcal

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Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Grape Jelly Any Brand
  • 1 Cup BBQ Sauce I like Baby Rays Honey
  • 1/2 Cup Open Pit Original BBQ Sauce or Chili Sauce

Instructions

  • Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix with a whisk a few minutes. Use to glaze your favorite meat or use as a BBQ dipping sauce.
    1 Cup Grape Jelly, 1 Cup BBQ Sauce, 1/2 Cup Open Pit Original BBQ Sauce
  • If you prefer to use as a dipping sauce, it will be smoother if you heat a few minutes to melt the grape jelly. Let cool and enjoy.
    Grape Jelly BBQ Sauce

Your Own Private Notes

Notes

There is a Short Video for This Recipe

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 756mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

AboutVictoria

You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.

4.25 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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