Sweet & Tangy Holiday Meatballs (Farmhouse Appetizer Recipe)

Around here, the holidays mean good food and plenty of it. Whether it’s a church potluck, family gathering, or neighbors dropping by, there’s always that one dish that disappears first, and these little meatballs are it.

We use our Creamery Creek Meatball Mix, made from our own dry-aged beef and Duroc pork with just the right touch of onion. The flavor is rich enough to stand on its own, but the magic really happens when you add the classic Midwest combo of grape jelly and BBQ sauce. Sweet, smoky, and a little tangy,  it’s comfort food that never goes out of style.

What You’ll Need

1 package Creamery Creek Meatball Mix, thawed

1 cup apricot jam or jellied cranberries

1 cup BBQ sauce

How to Make It

Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and brown in a skillet or bake at 400°F until cooked through.

In a saucepan, warm together the grape jelly and BBQ sauce until smooth and glossy.

Toss the browned meatballs in the warm sauce, then spread them on a baking sheet.

Brush with a little extra sauce and broil 3–5 minutes, just until the tops are caramelized.

Add toothpicks and serve warm , they’ll vanish fast!

Farm Tip

If you’re hosting a party, keep them warm in a slow cooker on “low” or “warm.” They’ll stay tender and flavorful for hours, and your kitchen will smell incredible.

It’s easy, make-ahead friendly, and downright nostalgic. The sweet fruit + BBQ sauce combo might sound unusual if you haven’t tried it before, but trust me, it’s a holiday staple for a reason.

These meatballs fit right in next to your dips, cheese trays, and crockpot favorites, and they make an easy appetizer for Christmas Eve or New Year’s gatherings.

Make It with the Good Stuff

You can find our Creamery Creek Meatball Mix and other Duroc favorites in the Farm Shop
 or add them to your next creekclub Box.