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 discovered this recipe while searching for a unique appetizer for family game night. It became an instant hit: everyone wanted seconds and even asked for the recipe. Now it is a staple for gatherings.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
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
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Prepare the 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.
- Add meatballs:
- Place the frozen meatballs in the bowl of a slow cooker.
- Combine ingredients:
- 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 This recipe brought our family together during a rainy weekend: we crowded around the slow cooker eagerly waiting, and the kids got excited seeing the glossy sauce on the meatballs.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Required Tools
Slow cooker (4-quart or larger), mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (if meatballs have breadcrumbs): may also contain soy, egg, or milk based on the brands used. Always verify labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 340 calories, 13 g fat, 41 g carbohydrates, 15 g protein.
Save 
Serve these meatballs hot, with toothpicks for easy sharing or over rice for a fun family meal. Enjoy the leftovers: they taste even better the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs work well. Use about 2 pounds of cooked meatballs for similar results.
- → What can I substitute for cherry preserves?
Grape jelly is a great alternative that maintains the sweet and fruity profile of the sauce.
- → How long should the meatballs cook in the slow cooker?
Cooked on low for 3 hours ensures the meatballs are warmed through and the sauce thickens nicely.
- → Can I add heat to the sauce?
Yes, adding 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes will give the sauce a spicy kick.
- → Is this dish suitable for dairy-free diets?
This version contains no dairy ingredients, but always check meatball and sauce labels to confirm.
