Description
These Crockpot Apple Butter Meatballs with Bourbon offer a unique twist on classic party meatballs, combining the sweet richness of apple butter and bourbon with a smoky barbecue sauce and a hint of chili powder. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, these meatballs are perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a flavorful main dish at any gathering.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2/3 cup apple butter
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1/3 cup bourbon (We used Maker’s Mark)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
Meatballs
- 32 ounce bag frozen pre-cooked meatballs
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the apple butter, barbecue sauce, hot sauce (if using), bourbon, and chili powder. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth, setting aside the flavorful sauce base.
- Arrange meatballs in slow cooker: Place the entire bag of frozen pre-cooked meatballs evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out for even coating and cooking.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared apple butter bourbon barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs, making sure all are well covered with the sauce for maximum flavor infusion.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the meatballs for 2 to 3 hours until heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly, resulting in tender, flavorful meatballs.
- Serve warm: Once cooked, stir gently and serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer or part of your main meal. They pair wonderfully with toothpicks for easy serving at parties.
Notes
- Using pre-cooked frozen meatballs saves preparation time and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust the hot sauce quantity or omit it according to your preferred spice level.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or additional barbecue sauce.
- Cooking on low heat prevents the sauce from burning and allows flavors to meld nicely.
- Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
