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 whipped up these meatballs for a last-minute family movie night, and every single one vanished. Now, my kids request them for any party or game day spread.
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Ingredients
- Frozen fully cooked meatballs: 32 oz (900 g)
- Barbecue sauce: 1 cup (250 ml), choose 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
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Instructions
- Mix 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 the meatballs:
- Place the frozen meatballs in the bowl of a slow cooker.
- Combine and coat:
- Pour the cherry BBQ sauce mixture over the meatballs, stirring gently to coat all the meatballs evenly.
- Slow 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, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
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My family always gathers around the kitchen counter when these meatballs start to bubble in the slow cooker: the aroma draws us together, promising a warm and easy treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs as a party snack with toothpicks or spoon them over hot cooked rice for a quick and flavorful main dish.
Substitutions
Cherry jam can be swapped out for grape jelly if you prefer a more classic BBQ meatball flavor, or add 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving provides about 340 calories, 13 g fat, 41 g carbohydrates, and 15 g protein: actual values may vary depending on your ingredient brands.
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Save Try these meatballs at your next gathering: they will wow your guests and disappear fast.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs can be used. Aim for about 2 pounds of cooked meatballs to match the texture and volume.
- → What type of slow cooker is recommended?
A 4-quart or larger slow cooker works best to evenly cook and coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- → Can I substitute cherry preserves with other fruit spreads?
Grape jelly is a popular alternative that blends well with barbecue sauce for a classic flavor twist.
- → How do the spices affect the overall flavor?
Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper add subtle depth, enhancing the sauce's balance without overpowering the cherry sweetness.
- → Is it possible to add heat to this dish?
Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce provides a gentle spicy kick to complement the sweet and tangy notes.
