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 meatballs for a game night with friends and was amazed how quickly they disappeared: everyone asked for the recipe. Now they are my go-to for gatherings and even family dinners: my kids request them all the time!
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 ingredients:
- 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.
- Coat meatballs:
- 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 
Save Every time I bring these to family gatherings, my grandmother reminisces about her homemade meatball recipes: now we laugh seeing her reach for seconds, loving this modern BBQ twist!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs with toothpicks as a party snack, or spoon them over steamed white rice for an easy dinner: sprinkle with extra parsley for a fresh touch.
Make It Spicy
For a little heat, add 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture: this amps up the sweet and savory combo without overpowering the cherry flavor.
How To Store
Leftover meatballs store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days: simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Save 
Save Keep this easy meatball recipe on hand for your next party or weeknight dinner: everyone will be asking for seconds!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can fresh meatballs be used instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh meatballs can replace frozen ones. Use about 2 pounds of cooked meatballs for best results and maintain the cooking time in the slow cooker.
- → Is it possible to substitute cherry preserves?
Certainly! Grape jelly is a great alternative that provides a classic sweetness, complementing the barbecue sauce nicely.
- → How can I add spiciness to the sauce?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking to introduce a subtle spicy kick.
- → What side dishes pair well with these meatballs?
These meatballs work well as appetizers with toothpicks, or served over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- → How do allergens affect this dish?
Check labels on meatballs and barbecue sauce as they may contain wheat, soy, egg, or milk. Adjust accordingly if allergen-sensitive.