Save Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly easy, these cherry BBQ meatballs are the perfect party appetizer or family dinner with bold flavors and minimal effort using budget-friendly ingredients.
I made these cherry BBQ meatballs last weekend for a family movie night. Everyone kept coming back for seconds and even asked for the recipe—now they're a must-have at our gatherings!
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Ingredients
- Frozen fully cooked meatballs: 32 oz (900 g)
- Barbecue sauce: 1 cup (250 ml), 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
- Whisk 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.
- Prep Meatballs:
- Place frozen meatballs in the bowl of a slow cooker.
- Combine:
- Pour the cherry BBQ sauce mixture over the meatballs, stirring gently so all meatballs are coated evenly.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, 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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When my cousins visited, we doubled the recipe and everyone sat around the table sharing stories and picking meatballs with toothpicks. It became a fun, memorable moment for our family.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking, or pile them over steamed rice for a hearty main dish. They perfectly complement a buffet spread for celebrations.
Required Tools
You'll need a slow cooker (at least 4-quart), a mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups, and spoons for easy prep and cleanup.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains 340 calories, 13 g total fat, 41 g carbohydrates, and 15 g protein. Please verify packaging for possible allergens in meatballs and barbecue sauce.
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Save These cherry BBQ meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your entertaining rotation. Enjoy with friends and family for a sweet bite that keeps everyone coming back.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs work well; just use about 2 pounds of cooked meatballs for this dish.
- → What can substitute cherry preserves in the sauce?
Grape jelly is a great alternative that provides similar sweetness and texture.
- → How long should the meatballs cook in the slow cooker?
Cook on low heat for 3 hours until meatballs are heated through and sauce thickens.
- → Is it possible to make the dish spicier?
Yes, adding 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce adds a nice spicy kick.
- → What are some serving suggestions?
Serve as a party appetizer with toothpicks or over rice for a hearty meal.
