Save Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly easy, these cherry BBQ meatballs are the perfect party appetizer or family dinner: bold flavors with minimal effort and budget-friendly ingredients.
I love making these meatballs for holiday gatherings. The combination of cherry preserves and barbecue sauce surprises guests with a sweet-tangy twist: and they always disappear fast every time I serve them.
Ingredients
- Frozen fully cooked meatballs: 32 oz (900 g)
- Barbecue sauce: 1 cup (250 ml), use your favorite brand
- Cherry preserves or cherry jam: 1 cup (290 g)
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp (15 g)
- Garlic powder: 1/4 tsp
- Onion powder: 1/4 tsp
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, cherry preserves, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker:
- Place frozen meatballs in the bowl of a slow cooker.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
- Pour the cherry BBQ sauce mixture over meatballs: stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours: until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thick and glossy. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Save This has become our go-to during football season: my kids love grabbing them with toothpicks and the leftovers make a yummy lunch the next day.
Required Tools
Slow cooker (4-quart or larger): mixing bowl: whisk: measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat if meatballs have breadcrumbs. Always check packaging for soy, egg, or milk if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 340 calories: 13 g total fat: 41 g carbohydrates: 15 g protein
Save Enjoy these cherry BBQ meatballs hot from the slow cooker: they are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely, homemade meatballs (about 2 lbs) can be used for fresher texture and flavor, cooked to your preference before slow cooking.
- → What can I substitute for cherry preserves?
Grape jelly works well as a substitute, offering a familiar sweetness and texture while maintaining the sauce’s balance.
- → How long should the meatballs cook in the slow cooker?
Cook on low for 3 hours until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
- → Can I add spice to the sauce?
Yes, adding 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes will give the sauce a gentle kick without overpowering the sweet flavors.
- → What is the best way to serve these meatballs?
Serve hot with toothpicks as an appetizer or over rice for a satisfying main dish, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.