Slow Cooker Cherry Glazed Meatballs
Tender, pre-cooked meatballs simmer in a luscious, homemade cherry glaze with a hint of bourbon for a sweet and savory flavor explosion. Perfect for game days, parties, or any gathering, this easy slow cooker meatball recipe will disappear fast!
Servings: 64 servings
Ingredients
- For the Slow Cooker Cherry Glazed Meatballs:
- 64 ounces 4 pounds frozen, pre-cooked meatballs
- 1 13 oz jar cherry preserves (see homemade recipe below!)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup bourbon or whiskey optional, for depth of flavor
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- For the Homemade Cherry Preserves Optional, but Recommended!:
- 2 pounds pitted sweet cherries roughly chopped (it’s okay if a few are left whole)
- 1 cup water optional, may not be needed depending on cherry juiciness
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest from about 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Homemade Cherry Preserves (Optional):
- Add the chopped cherries, water (if using), granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt to a large, nonstick pot over medium heat.
- Once the mixture reaches a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low.
- Cook the preserves, stirring regularly, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the volume has reduced by about half, about 45 minutes. The preserves should have thickened.
- Spoon the hot preserves into a clean mason jar or other airtight container. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
- Assemble the Slow Cooker Cherry Glazed Meatballs:
- In the bottom of the slow cooker, whisk together the cherry preserves, ketchup, bourbon or whiskey (if using), and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
- Place the frozen, pre-cooked meatballs on top of the mixture.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 1 hour. Stir gently to ensure all the meatballs are coated in the sauce.
- Switch the crockpot to low and continue to cook for 4-6 hours, stirring every 1-2 hours to ensure all the meatballs soak up the delicious cherry glaze.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 21IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.3mg