If you love the comforting warmth of slow-cooked dishes paired with a surprising twist of flavor, then the Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs with Cherry Jam and Chipotle Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This dish brilliantly blends the tangy sweetness of cherry jam with the smoky kick of chipotle peppers, all smothered in classic BBQ sauce and slow-cooked until the meatballs are tender and infused with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving a cozy meal, these meatballs deliver layers of taste and a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs with Cherry Jam and Chipotle Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each item plays a crucial role in creating that rich, bold flavor that makes this dish stand out, while keeping the preparation simple and hassle-free.
- BBQ sauce: This is the smoky and tangy base that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
- Cherry jam: Adds a luscious sweetness and fruity depth that perfectly complements the spice.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: These bring a smoky heat with a complex layer of smoky, spicy flavor.
- Adobo sauce: Adds richness and intensifies the smokiness of the chipotle peppers.
- Frozen cocktail meatballs: Convenient and perfectly portioned, they soak up all the saucy goodness during cooking.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs with Cherry Jam and Chipotle Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Sauces
Start by combining the BBQ sauce, cherry jam, chopped chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce in your slow cooker. Giving everything a good stir at this point lets those bold flavors marry together, creating a rich sauce base that will coat the meatballs beautifully.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs and Cook
Next, add the frozen cocktail meatballs straight into the sauce mixture—you don’t even need to thaw them first! Cover the slow cooker and set it on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, letting the meatballs simmer gently and absorb the sweet, smoky, and spicy sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs with Cherry Jam and Chipotle Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top to add a pop of vibrant green and fresh flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the smoky sauce. A few slices of fresh jalapeño can add extra heat, or some toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or even a simple green salad for a lighter option. Consider serving them over rice or inside slider buns to create delicious meatball sandwiches.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve these meatballs on skewers for easy handheld bites. You can also scoop them over baked potatoes or use them as a flavorful topping for nachos—trust me, the cherry jam and chipotle combo makes everything better!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making the next day’s meal just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze wonderfully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly. Adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce can help restore that fresh-from-the-slow-cooker sauciness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh meatballs will work just as well; you might just need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
How spicy is this recipe?
The chipotle peppers add a moderate smoky heat that’s balanced out by the sweetness of the cherry jam. You can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
You can simmer the sauce and meatballs on the stovetop over low heat, covered, for about an hour, stirring occasionally, but the slow cooker really helps build flavor and tenderness.
What can I substitute for cherry jam?
If you don’t have cherry jam, a good quality red pepper jelly or even a sweet berry jam can be a tasty alternative.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Check the labels on your BBQ sauce and meatballs since some brands contain gluten. Using gluten-free BBQ sauce and gluten-free meatballs will make sure the entire dish is safe for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs with Cherry Jam and Chipotle Recipe is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves bold flavors with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for gatherings, easy weeknight dinners, or anytime you want to wow your family and friends. Give it a try—you’re going to love how effortlessly special this dish tastes!
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Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs with Cherry Jam and Chipotle Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs combine savory frozen meatballs with a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce enhanced by cherry jam and smoky chipotle peppers. Perfect for easy entertaining or a comforting weeknight meal, they cook effortlessly in the slow cooker to tender, flavorful perfection.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 18 ounces BBQ sauce
- 16 ounces cherry jam
- 2 chipotle peppers packed in adobo sauce, chopped
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
Meatballs
- 28 ounces frozen cocktail size meatballs
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a slow cooker, combine the BBQ sauce, cherry jam, chopped chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed, creating a balanced spicy and sweet sauce base.
- Add the meatballs: Place the frozen cocktail meatballs directly into the slow cooker with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs completely with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the mixture on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the meatballs to heat through thoroughly while absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Once done, stir the meatballs to coat them again with sauce and serve hot as an appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- Using frozen meatballs allows for a quick and convenient meal with minimal prep.
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the spiciness level.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy party serving or alongside rice or mashed potatoes for a full meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
