Marmalade Meatballs

Marmalade Meatballs are a zesty twist on a classic crockpot appetizer, with Catalina dressing, sweet orange marmalade and red pepper flakes.

On Game Days, everyone loves easy Appetizer Recipes that you can cook in a Crockpot, like Cocktail Meatballs and Buffalo Chicken Dip. This new meatball recipe is so good, it might not last until half time!

MARMALADE MEATBALLS

Crockpot Meatballs have to be one of the easiest recipes to ever make for the holidays. You just throw them in your slow cooker with a marinade then set and forget until it’s time to party.

These meatballs are perfect appetizers for potlucks, Super Bowl parties, or holiday celebrations like Christmas and New Years’ Eve. It doesn’t take much effort to serve them, just bring out your crockpot and keep some toothpicks nearby.

What is so great about simple, easy recipes like Marmalade Meatballs is that you can alter the recipe if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand that you need.

If you don’t have orange marmalade on hand, or can’t find it at the store, you can substitute apricot jelly. Catalina salad dressing is at most major grocery chains, but you can use French dressing or ketchup instead.

This recipe does have red pepper flakes in it, but it isn’t overly spicy. If you prefer a milder taste you can just leave them out or use chili powder.

While this yummy meatball recipe is great for appetizers, these would make a great Game Day lunch on hoagie roll with toppings like cabbage and green onions.

Turn these into a homemade take-out inspired dish and serve your sweet and sour Marmalade Meatballs with Chow Mein or Fried Rice. They make a perfect (and easy!) substitute for Orange Chicken.

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HOW TO MAKE MARMALADE MEATBALLS

In a slow cooker, combine the salad dressing, marmalade, Worcestershire sauce and pepper flakes.
Stir in meatballs.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through.

VARIATIONS ON MARMALADE MEATBALLS

Meatballs: Instead of frozen meatballs, use this Homemade Meatball recipe. Fully cook before adding to your slow cooker. Turkey or chicken meatballs can be substituted as well.
Spicy: This recipe has a bit of kick from the red pepper flakes but you can make it as spicy as you like by adding in your favorite hot pepper sauce.
Fruit: Add some fruity, holiday flavor of this dish by adding frozen cranberries and orange zest. Go more tropical by adding pineapple chunks and swapping in Apricot jam for the orange marmalade.
Soy Sauce: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, or you aren’t a fan of its taste, swap in some soy sauce.

Marmalade Meatballs in sauce in crock pot with spoon

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MARMALADE MEATBALLS

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can make these ahead of time by mixing the sauce ingredients and storing sealed in the fridge for up to a week. Thaw the meatballs before you are ready to cook.

Can I cook these quicker on high?

Yes, you can cook these in your slow cooker set on the high setting for a cook time of 1-2 hours, or until warmed through.

Can I double the recipe?

As long as you have a 6 quart or larger crockpot, you can double this recipe. You want enough room to stir your meatballs, plus a smaller crockpot may take longer to get everything warm.

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HOW TO STORE MARMALADE MEATBALLS

Serve: Keep warm in crockpot for up to 4 hours, or at room temperature for 2 hours.
Store: These marmalade meatballs will be good for up to 4 days in the fridge in a sealed container.
Freeze: Freeze your leftover meatballs for up to 1 month. Reheat on stovetop to reach safe internal temperature.

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Ingredients

▢ 16 ounces Catalina salad dressing
▢ 1 cup orange marmalade
▢ 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
▢ 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
▢ 1 package frozen fully cooked meatballs , thawed, 32 ounces

Instructions

In a slow cooker, combine the salad dressing, marmalade, Worcestershire sauce and pepper flakes.
Stir in meatballs.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through.