Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: You’ll only need five ingredients to make these crockpot meatballs. They’re always the hit of any party because the cherry bourbon sauce is the best!
How long it takes: 10 minutes to prep, 5 hours to cook
Equipment you’ll need: large slow cooker
Servings: 20
Super Easy Crockpot Meatballs
Popular for parties. These crockpot meatballs are just the thing to serve at game watching parties, or really any get-together. I mean, what’s a party without meatballs, right? Maybe it’s not a necessity, but it’s always nice to have appetizers or snacks available that have a little protein.
Twist on the classic. These meatballs are a great change if your go-to recipe involves grape jelly. I’m not hating on those; they are genius and no one ever complains about them. These cherry bourbon meatballs are kind of like the grape jelly recipe’s classier cousin.
Easy shortcut. This recipe starts with frozen meatballs! I’m all about making your life a little easier, and these are a great shortcut. Toss a big bag of meatballs in your slow cooker (no need to thaw them!), a few ingredients for sauce, and leave it alone. If you happen to walk through your kitchen, give them a stir so that the sauce soaks into all the meatballs. It really couldn’t be easier, and everyone loves these.
A short list of ingredients. The sauce is only four ingredients, and one of them is bourbon. Can’t really go wrong with that, right?
“Made them for Beggars Night (Halloween) party. What a hit, went in no time! Making them for Christmas Eve this year, maybe double! “
Ingredient Notes
- Meatballs: Frozen pre-made meatballs are fine. If you prefer homemade, try this meatball recipe or turkey meatballs. Both recipes are oven-baked so they are easy and foolproof. Make a double batch and keep some in the freezer for recipes like this.
- Cherry Preserves: I like Bonne Maman preserves (not sponsored), but you could use any type. Better quality preserves make a better-tasting sauce.
- Ketchup: I like to use the type that doesn’t contain high fructose syrup but you’re the boss. The ketchup makes this taste a little like a barbecue sauce, but not exactly.
- Bourbon or Whiskey: Any type will work. I used Traverse City Whiskey Co. because I love to support Michigan businesses!
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The vinegar has enough tangy flavor to offset the sweetness of the preserves.
Recipe Tips
Keep ’em warm. Once you’re ready to serve these, turn your slow cooker to warm to keep the meatballs hot (and safe), and they’ll be good that way for a couple of hours! I give them a stir now and then to make sure they’re all coated with the yummy sauce.
Add your own special touch. These meatballs are great with a little spice, too. The sweet and spicy combo is always a hit. Try adding a pinch of cayenne powder. Start with ¼ teaspoon. You can always add more, but it’s pretty potent. You could also add a splash of your favorite hot sauce. If you want to lean into the smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Use BBQ sauce. Instead of ketchup, substitute my homemade barbecue sauce recipe or your favorite brand.
More Appetizer Recipes
Crockpot Meatballs with Cherry Bourbon Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 64 ounces (4 pounds) frozen, pre-cooked meatballs
- 1 jar (13 ounces) cherry preserves (I like Bonne Maman)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup bourbon or whiskey
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large crockpot, and stir to combine.64 ounces (4 pounds) frozen, pre-cooked meatballs, 1 jar (13 ounces) cherry preserves, ½ cup ketchup, ½ cup bourbon or whiskey, ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- Cover and cook on High for an hour, and then turn the crockpot to Low. Continue to cook for 4 to 6 hours or until meatballs are completely heated through, stirring every 1 to 2 hours to evenly distribute the sauce.
- Keep warm on either the Warm setting or Low for up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to redistribute the sauce.
Notes
- Sauce note: These meatballs aren’t super saucy but there is enough sauce to coat all the meatballs. If you prefer them to be a little more saucy, double the sauce ingredients (cherry preserves, ketchup, bourbon, and apple cider vinegar).
- Make them spicy: Like the sweet heat combo? Try adding a little cayenne or hot sauce to this recipe!
- Yield: It’s a little tricky to guess how many meatballs your guests will consume. Nutrition information is calculated for 20 servings, about 3 ounces of meatballs with sauce for each serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
What would you eat them with, sides maybe rice?
Yes they’d be great with rice or quinoa!
Made them for BEGGARS NIGHT(Halloween) party…
What a Hit…
Went in no time
Making them for CHRISTMAS EVE this year…
Maybe Double…Lol
So glad you enjoyed them!
Wow!!!
That’s all I can say.
We made these for BEGGARS NIGHT…What a Hit.
So happy they were a hit! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, it means a lot!
sounds yummy.
I’ve been known to take the frozen meatballs and add sauce and make them in my instant pot. Ido it for 10 minutes–might take less, but I figure that’s a good number for a frozen,, pre-cooked item.
I’m also picky about my frozen meatballs. quality makes a huge difference. (read the labels–I know you do)
Oooh I haven’t tried them in my IP! I need to give that a go! Yes, I’m picky about them too…some of them are…interesting.