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!
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
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.
Save 
Save 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.
Save 
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.