If you’re looking for a deliciously easy party favorite that’s bound to wow your friends, you’ve got to try the Viral Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Meatballs Recipe. This dish brings together the tangy, smoky goodness of BBQ sauce with the sweet pop of cherries, all gently cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s comfort food that feels special without any fuss, making it a total crowd-pleaser at gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even holiday spreads. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these meatballs will quickly become your go-to dish to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that play perfectly together to create a rich, flavorful sauce coating tender meatballs. Each component adds its own magic, from a hint of sweetness and acidity to a subtle warmth that brings everything into perfect harmony.
- 32 oz frozen fully cooked meatballs: Using pre-cooked meatballs saves tons of time and ensures juicy, tender bites every time.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: Pick your favorite brand—this will be the smoky, tangy backbone of the dish.
- 1 cup cherry preserves: Adds a bright, sweet note that beautifully balances the savory elements.
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: A touch of acidity to cut through the sweetness and enrich the sauce’s complexity.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Provides subtle depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic, adding warmth and earthiness.
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper: Just enough to give the sauce a gentle kick and balance it out.
How to Make Viral Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together your barbecue sauce, cherry preserves, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until the sauce is perfectly smooth and all the flavors are combined. This vibrant sauce is what makes the Viral Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Meatballs Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 2: Arrange the Meatballs
Place your frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. No need to thaw them first! This convenience lets you keep things simple and quick without sacrificing taste or texture.
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Meatballs
Pour the luscious sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, then stir gently to make sure every meatball is nicely coated. This ensures each bite is bursting with that perfect cherry BBQ flavor.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and let the meatballs cook on low heat for about 3 hours. Stir them once or twice during this time if you can—this helps the sauce thicken and stick beautifully to the meatballs. After cooking, the sauce will be thick, sticky, and impossible to resist.
How to Serve Viral Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the sauce. You can also try sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and extra personality.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery egg noodles to soak up every last bit of that luscious cherry BBQ sauce. For something lighter, crisp green salads or roasted vegetables complement the dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the Viral Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Meatballs Recipe in a warm crockpot right on the buffet table to keep them cozy and inviting. You can also skewer them with toothpicks for easy finger food at casual gatherings. Feeling adventurous? Try filling slider buns with these meatballs and a slice of cheese for a mouthwatering twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftover meatballs even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make the Viral Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Meatballs Recipe ahead of time, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to make sure the sauce warms evenly without drying out. Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if it looks too thick.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade meatballs. Just brown them first and adjust the cooking time if needed since they won’t be pre-cooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
You can, but you’ll want to use the sauté function to heat through and thicken the sauce quickly. Since it’s originally designed for slow cooking, the flavors will develop best using the slow cooker method.
What type of cherry preserves works best?
Look for cherry preserves that have a good balance of sweetness and tartness without large fruit chunks. A smooth consistency helps the sauce coat the meatballs beautifully.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based meatballs and your favorite vegetarian-friendly BBQ sauce and it works just as well. The cherry preserves still add that unique flavor kick.
How spicy is the Viral Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Meatballs Recipe?
This recipe has a mild peppery kick from the black pepper, but it’s not spicy hot—making it a safe bet for kids and anyone sensitive to heat.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for an effortless weeknight dinner, or just craving something cozy with a twist, the Viral Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Meatballs Recipe is a winner every time. It combines familiar BBQ flavors with a delightful burst of cherry sweetness to create something truly special. Give it a try and get ready to hear rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to join your table!
Print
Viral Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Viral Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ recipe features tender frozen meatballs cooked slowly in a sweet and tangy cherry BBQ sauce. The combination of cherry preserves, barbecue sauce, and a touch of apple cider vinegar creates a flavorful glaze that perfectly complements the meatballs, making it an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal option.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 32 oz frozen fully cooked meatballs
Cherry BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cherry preserves
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare sauce: Whisk together the barbecue sauce, cherry preserves, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper in a medium bowl until you get a smooth and uniform sauce.
- Arrange meatballs: Place the frozen fully cooked meatballs evenly into the slow cooker bowl to create a single layer for even cooking.
- Combine sauce and meatballs: Pour the prepared cherry BBQ sauce mixture over the meatballs, then gently stir to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce without breaking them.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 3 hours. Stir the meatballs once or twice during cooking if possible to ensure even heating and sauce thickening. The meatballs should be heated through and the sauce thick and glossy by the end of cooking.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot directly from the slow cooker. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use fully cooked frozen meatballs to simplify the cooking process and ensure proper reheating.
- Stirring occasionally during slow cooking helps prevent sauce from sticking and promotes even flavor coating.
- For thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added visual appeal and flavor.
- This recipe is ideal for party appetizers, easy weeknight meals, or potlucks.
