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 meatballs for a holiday get-together and they disappeared fast. Everyone loved how juicy and flavorful they were, and the slow cooker made the process almost hands-off.
Ingredients
- Meatballs: 32 oz (900 g) frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 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
- Prepare 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.
- Layer meatballs:
- Place the frozen meatballs in the bowl of a slow cooker.
- Add sauce:
- Pour the cherry BBQ sauce mixture over the meatballs, stirring gently to coat all the meatballs evenly.
- 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.
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest My kids always get excited when these meatballs are on the menu: they love helping with the stirring and taste-testing the sweet sauce.
Serving Ideas
Serve with toothpicks as a fun party snack or over steamed rice for a quick family dinner.
Ingredient Swaps
Try grape jelly instead of cherry jam for a classic taste, or use homemade meatballs for an even fresher result.
Make Ahead & Storage
Prepare the sauce mixture up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge: cooked meatballs will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest These meatballs are sure to be a hit and guaranteed to please both kids and adults.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over low heat until heated through and the sauce thickens, about 30 minutes.
- → What can I substitute for cherry preserves?
Grape jelly works well as a substitute and maintains a similar sweetness and texture in the sauce.
- → How do I ensure the sauce thickens properly?
Cooking low and slow allows the sauce to reduce and thicken naturally. Stir occasionally and cook uncovered in the last 30 minutes if needed.
- → Are frozen meatballs the best option?
Frozen fully cooked meatballs save time and work well, but homemade meatballs can also be used for a fresh variation.
- → Can I add spice to this dish?
Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking provides a pleasant spicy kick without overpowering the sweet cherry flavor.