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.
The first time I made these meatballs, they disappeared from the table in minutes—I barely got a taste. Everyone keeps asking for this recipe, and I love how simple it is to throw together with zero fuss.
Ingredients
- Frozen fully cooked meatballs: 32 oz (900 g)
- Barbecue sauce: 1 cup (250 ml) of your favorite brand
- Cherry preserves or 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
- Make 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:
- 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 This recipe is a hit at our family gatherings, especially during the holidays—kids and grownups go crazy for these sweet and savory bites.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks for parties, or pile over rice for a quick main dish that everyone will love.
Allergen Notes
Meatballs may contain wheat, egg, or milk depending on brand: always check the packaging to be sure and select dairy-free options if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving has about 340 calories, 13 g fat, 41 g carbohydrates, and 15 g protein: a great balance for appetizers or a meal.
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest Whip up these meatballs whenever you need a crowd-pleaser—no one will guess how easy they are to make.
Ask About This Recipe
- → Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade or store-bought fully cooked meatballs work well. Ensure they weigh about 2 lbs (900 g) for best results.
- → What can I substitute for cherry preserves?
Grape jelly offers a classic alternative that blends smoothly with the BBQ sauce.
- → How long should the meatballs cook?
Cook on low heat for 3 hours until the sauce is thick and meatballs are heated through.
- → Can I add spice to the sauce?
Yes, adding 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes gives a pleasant heat to the sweet sauce.
- → What tools are needed to prepare this dish?
A slow cooker, mixing bowl, whisk, and measuring spoons ensure smooth preparation and cooking.