Apple Butter Bourbon Slow-Cooker Meatballs are the kind of sweet-smoky, perfectly sticky appetizer that steals the spotlight at any gathering. The slow cooker does nearly all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a glossy, flavorful glaze that clings beautifully to tender meatballs. With warm apple spices, rich bourbon notes, and the tang of BBQ sauce and vinegar, this dish is tailor-made for holidays, game days, and cozy evenings.
Apple butter gives the sauce its signature depth—thick, fruity, lightly spiced, and naturally sweet. Bourbon adds warmth and complexity, while brown sugar caramelizes into a sticky finish as the mixture cooks. The combination of Worcestershire, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes brings balance, ensuring the glaze is sweet, savory, smoky, and just a little bold.
These meatballs are incredibly versatile: serve them straight from the slow cooker for grazing, pile them over mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal, or use them as sliders for a crowd. They reheat beautifully, and the flavors only deepen as they rest.
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For an extra touch of sophistication, finish them with a splash of bourbon off the heat—this amplifies the aroma and elevates the glaze into something unforgettable.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 2–3 hours
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen or homemade meatballs
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky recommended)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
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