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–+ servings
Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs

Savory Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs to Delight

Delight your guests with Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs, a savory and sweet culinary delight perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Ground Turkey Can substitute with ground chicken or pork
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs (preferably panko) Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Substitute with grated Romano if unavailable
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley Can replace with chopped basil or cilantro
  • 1 Large Egg A flax egg can be used as a vegan substitute
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Use garlic powder in a pinch
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
For the Glaze
  • 1/2 cup Bourbon Can be replaced with apple cider or beef broth for a non-alcoholic version
  • 1 cup Apple Butter Can be substituted with homemade apple sauce
  • 1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce Choose your favorite brand or make homemade
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce For vegetarian, use soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon Can be replaced with nutmeg or allspice
For Garnish
  • 1 bunch Sliced Green Onions Adds freshness before serving

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
  2. Take portions of the meat mixture and roll them into uniform balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, making 20 to 24 meatballs. Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes if time allows.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the bourbon, apple butter, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ground cinnamon until well blended.
  4. Place the shaped meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the glaze over them, ensuring all meatballs are coated.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until meatballs are tender and sauce is bubbling.
  6. Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter, drizzle with remaining sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 150mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 50IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These meatballs are perfect for gatherings and can be made ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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