Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 92 reviews
  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy these Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs, a savory and sweet appetizer featuring tender homestyle meatballs simmered in a rich sauce made from apple butter, bourbon, and a blend of flavorful spices. Perfect for parties or a comforting family meal, this recipe combines ease with delicious southern-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 2 lbs frozen homestyle meatballs

Sauce

  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the apple butter, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
  2. Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker: Place the frozen homestyle meatballs evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out for even cooking.
  3. Pour Sauce Over Meatballs: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the frozen meatballs, making sure they are fully coated to absorb all the flavors during cooking.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir gently once halfway through the cooking time to ensure the meatballs are well coated and cooking evenly.
  5. Stir and Serve: Once cooking is complete, give all the meatballs a good stir to coat them thoroughly with the thick, flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm for best taste.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use a good quality bourbon that you enjoy sipping.
  • Adjust the brown sugar amount to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
  • This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • For a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, bourbon meatballs, apple butter meatballs, party appetizer, southern recipes, easy meatballs

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://plumandpan.com/slow-cooker-bourbon-apple-butter-meatballs-recipe/