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 first made these for a potluck, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the buffet. The sweet cherry and smoky BBQ combo had everyone asking for the recipe: now they're a regular request at our gatherings.
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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
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Instructions
- Mix Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, cherry preserves, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Prepare Meatballs:
- Place the frozen meatballs in the bowl of a slow cooker.
- Combine & Cook:
- 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 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.
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Our kids enjoy helping stir the sauce, and our youngest loves using toothpicks to eat the meatballs: it's become a fun family tradition each time we make this dish together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a party appetizer with toothpicks or turn this into dinner by spooning the saucy meatballs over steamed rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of colour.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Try substituting cherry jam with grape jelly for a classic flavor twist, or add 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Homemade meatballs also work perfectly in this recipe.
Allergen Information
This dish may contain wheat, soy, egg, or milk depending on the meatballs and barbecue sauce used: always read labels carefully if accommodating food sensitivities.
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Save Make these cherry BBQ meatballs for your next event: you'll have an empty platter and plenty of requests for the recipe!
Common recipe questions
- → Can fresh meatballs be used instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh or homemade meatballs can be substituted; just ensure they are cooked through during the slow cooking process.
- → How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle spicy kick that complements the sweet cherry flavors.
- → What can I substitute for cherry preserves?
Grape jelly is a classic alternative that works well to maintain the sweet and tangy balance.
- → Is it necessary to stir the meatballs during cooking?
Stirring once or twice helps distribute the sauce evenly but isn’t absolutely necessary for tender results.
- → Can this dish be served as a main course?
Yes, these meatballs work nicely over rice or alongside sides to create a satisfying main dish.
