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Easy Fig Jam Meatballs

November 8, 2024

Jelly meatballs are an easy appetizer, and we’ve made this classic recipe using fig jam. Easy fig jam meatballs are a great way to feed a crowd during the holidays.

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fig jam meatballs in a bowl made with fig jam, chili sauce and orange juice topped with orange zest
Photography by Gayle McLeod

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We like to have a variety of easy recipes in your back pocket when the holidays roll around. This meatball with fig jam recipe is one that you can toss into your trusty slow cooker while you work on other projects–like digging into our 20 Best Christmas Appetizers or our Best Meatball Recipes. And for more figgy goodness, try our Fig and Goat Cheese Salad.

frozen meatballs, fig jam, chili sauce, orange juice and orange zest in prep bowls to make fig jam meatballs

Ingredients For Meatballs With Fig Sauce

  • 1 jar fig jam (we like Bonne Maman)

  • 1 jar Heinz chili sauce

  • Fresh orange juice (from 1 orange)

  • 1 bag frozen chicken, beef, or pork meatballs

  • Orange zest, for serving

meatballs being stirred with fig jam, chili sauce and orange juice in a slow cooker
fig jam meatballs made with fig jam, chili sauce and orange juice

How To Make The Best Party Meatballs

  1. Plug in your slow cooker.

  2. Combine the fig jam, chili sauce, and orange juice in the slow cooker.

  3. Add the meatballs and toss to coat. Cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until warmed through.

  4. Top meatballs with orange zest and serve them directly from the slow cooker or arrange them on a plate with toothpicks.

fig jam meatballs in a serving bowl made with fig jam, chili sauce and orange juice topped with orange zest

How to Store Fig Meatballs + Tips

  • Leftover meatballs are best eaten within 3-4 days. They can be frozen for up to three months.

  • Add leftovers as a sub in for the protein in a grain bowl, like our Gyro Bowl.

  • You can go the extra mile and make your own meatballs instead of using frozen. Check out our Best Meatball Recipes for all of our tips and tricks.

fig jam meatballs in a serving bowl, made with fig jam, chili sauce and orange juice topped with orange zest

More Appetizers To Make From The Modern Proper

Meatball Appetizers For All Your Friends + Family

For more recipe inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest or order our cookbook. We love when you share your meals. Tag us on Instagram using #themodernproper. Happy cooking!

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Easy Fig Jam Meatballs

  • Serves:  12
  • Prep Time:  5 min
  • Cook Time:  4 hrs
  • Calories:  277

Ingredients

  • 1 (13-ounce) jar fig jam (we like Bonne Maman)
  • 1 (12-ounce) jar Heinz chili sauce
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 orange)
  • 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen chicken, beef, or pork meatballs
  • Orange zest, for serving

Method

  1. In the base of a slow cooker, combine the fig jam, chili sauce, and orange juice. Add the meatballs to the slow cooker and toss to coat. Cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until warmed through.

  2. Top meatballs with orange zest and serve them directly from the slow cooker or arrange them on a plate with toothpicks.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories 277
  • Protein 14 g
  • Carbohydrates 14 g
  • Total Fat 10 g
  • Dietary Fiber 0 g
  • Cholesterol 73 mg
  • sodium 679 mg
  • Total Sugars 26 g

Easy Fig Jam Meatballs

Questions & Reviews

Join the discussion below.

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  • Judy

    Would it be possible to get instructions for making this NOT using a slow cooker please?

    In a medium pot combine the fig jam, chili sauce, and orange juice. Cook the meatballs according to the package directions. Maybe microwave or oven...just heat them through. Then just toss the heated sauce with the meatballs until coated. Top meatballs with orange zest serve or arrange them on a plate with toothpicks.

  • Nina

    What can you use in place of Heinz chili sauce?

    The same amount of ketchup mixed with a very small amount of sriracha or chili sauce maybe 1 teaspoon.

  • Stella

    Made these for a party and got so many compliments. I love when you ladies make me look like a good cook!

    Thanks Stella, so happy we can help! Glad you enjoyed these, happy new year!