Cherry Chipotle Sweet-Heat Holiday Meatballs are the kind of appetizer that quietly steals the spotlight at any gathering. They strike that irresistible balance between sweet, smoky, and spicy—bold enough to be memorable, but approachable enough for everyone to keep reaching back for “just one more.” The glossy cherry-chipotle sauce clings beautifully to each meatball, making them look as festive as they taste.
What makes this recipe shine is the depth of flavor packed into a short ingredient list. Cherry preserves bring rich fruitiness, while chipotle peppers in adobo add smoky heat with a subtle earthiness. A touch of vinegar and brown sugar rounds everything out, creating a sauce that feels complex, cozy, and perfectly suited for holiday tables.
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them with toothpicks as a party appetizer, spoon them over rice for an easy dinner, or keep them warm in a slow cooker for effortless entertaining. They’re make-ahead friendly and even better once the flavors have had time to mingle.
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If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish with a little edge—something festive but not predictable—these cherry chipotle meatballs are guaranteed to become a holiday favorite.
Servings: About 24 meatballs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 1 cup cherry preserves
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1–2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped (to taste)
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions:
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