Save to Pinterest 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 first made these for a game day get-together, and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Everyone loved the rich cherry flavor and how simple they were to put together!
Ingredients
- Frozen fully cooked meatballs: 32 oz (900 g)
- Barbecue sauce: 1 cup (250 ml), your favorite brand
- Cherry preserves or 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 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:
- Place frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Coat meatballs:
- Pour the cherry BBQ sauce mixture over meatballs, stirring gently to coat evenly.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, or until meatballs are heated through and sauce is thick and glossy. Stir once or twice during cooking, if possible.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Save to Pinterest This recipe quickly became a staple for our family gatherings: it is so easy even kids can help mix the sauce. Everyone looks forward to these meatballs on holidays and birthdays!
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks or serve over rice for a hearty main dish. Leftovers are delicious in sandwiches the next day.
Allergen and Dietary Info
Contains wheat if meatballs use breadcrumbs. May contain soy, egg, or milk depending on brands: always verify labels for allergens if sensitive.
Nutrition
Per serving: 340 calories, 13 g fat, 41 g carbohydrates, 15 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Cherry BBQ meatballs always wow guests and are a breeze to prepare in a slow cooker. Make them once, and they will be requested for every celebration!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs can be used as a substitute. Approximately 2 lbs (900 g) of cooked meatballs will work well in the slow cooker with the sauce.
- → What can I substitute for cherry preserves in the sauce?
Grape jelly is a classic alternative that provides a similar sweet and fruity flavor in the BBQ sauce.
- → How long should the meatballs cook in the slow cooker?
Cook on LOW for 3 hours or until meatballs are heated through and the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- → Can I add spice to the sauce?
Yes, adding 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce will give it a nice spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- → What tools do I need to prepare this dish?
A slow cooker (4-quart or larger), a mixing bowl, whisk, and measuring tools are needed for preparation.
- → Are these meatballs suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, the dish is dairy-free, but check meatball and sauce ingredient labels for any allergens or dairy ingredients.