Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

Published: January 20, 2026

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Just mix ingredients in the slow cooker—no complicated steps!
Delicious Flavor: The blend of apple butter and spices creates a unique taste that’s both sweet and savory.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer or over rice and veggies for a hearty meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, parties, or even casual family dinners.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and let the slow cooker do the work!

Tools and Preparation

To make these Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This is key for evenly cooking your meatballs while allowing flavors to develop over time.
Mixing spoon: A good mixing spoon ensures all ingredients are combined thoroughly for the best flavor.
Measuring cups & spoons: Accurate measurements are vital for balancing the sweetness of the sauce.

Ingredients

Frozen meatballs with an amazing sauce made of apple butter, chili sauce, and spices!

For the Sauce

12 oz. bottle chili sauce (I use Heinz Chili Sauce; avoid sriracha hot chili sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce.)
1 ½ cups apple butter (I use Musselman’s Apple Butter)
1 cup pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp. molasses
¼ tsp. ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or allspice if you have it)

For the Meatballs

40 oz. frozen meatballs (these are precooked and frozen) (two 20-ounce bags)

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In your slow cooker, add the chili sauce, apple butter, maple syrup, molasses, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2: Add Meatballs

Carefully add the frozen meatballs into the prepared sauce.
Toss gently to ensure each meatball is coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 3: Cook

Cover your slow cooker with its lid.
Cook on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours.
Stir occasionally to prevent burning on the edges.

These Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs are not only simple but also incredibly tasty! Serve them as an appetizer or as part of a main dish alongside mashed potatoes or rice with roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs are deliciously versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

As an Appetizer

Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
Pair with crispy crackers or bread for a delightful crunch.

Over Mashed Potatoes

Spoon the meatballs and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty entrée.
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.

With Rice

Serve the meatballs on a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Use jasmine or brown rice for different textures and tastes.

In Lettuce Wraps

For a lighter option, wrap the meatballs in crisp lettuce leaves.
Add shredded carrots and cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.

On Sliders

Place meatballs on small buns or slider rolls to create tasty sandwiches.
Top with pickles or slaw for an added zing.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board

Include these meatballs as part of a charcuterie spread alongside cheeses, fruits, and nuts.
They offer a sweet and savory contrast to other board elements.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

To ensure your Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for premium apple butter and chili sauce for the best flavor.
Stir occasionally: Make it a habit to stir the mixture during cooking to prevent burning on the edges.
Adjust sweetness: Tailor the maple syrup amount based on your preference; use less if you prefer less sweetness.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to add additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Cook from frozen: Using frozen meatballs saves time; just toss them directly into the sauce without thawing.
Serve immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve meatballs right after cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up extra sauce. Toast slices with garlic butter until golden brown.
Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini add color and nutrition. Toss with olive oil and roast until tender.
Coleslaw
A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots complements the sweet meatballs nicely. Dress it lightly for freshness.
Quinoa Salad
A protein-packed quinoa salad with herbs and lemon adds brightness to your meal while balancing flavors.
Cornbread
Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with the savory-sweet profile of apple butter meatballs. Serve warm from the oven.
Cucumber Salad
Refreshing cucumber salad offers a cool contrast to the warm meatballs. Add vinegar dressing for tanginess.
Baked Beans
Smoky baked beans make a hearty side that works well with the sweetness of the apple butter sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries provide an excellent balance of flavors when served alongside these meatballs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs, avoid these common mistakes.

Using the wrong chili sauce – Not all chili sauces are created equal. Stick with a mild variety like Heinz Chili Sauce to prevent overpowering flavors.
Skipping the spices – The ground cloves and cinnamon add depth. Don’t omit them; they enhance the apple butter’s sweetness and create a balanced sauce.
Not stirring occasionally – Leaving meatballs untouched can lead to burning on the edges. Stir occasionally during cooking for even flavor and heat distribution.
Overcooking the meatballs – Cooking too long can dry out the meatballs. Follow the timing guidelines closely for juicy results.
Ignoring serving suggestions – These meatballs shine as appetizers but can also be served over rice or mashed potatoes. Experiment with different sides for variety.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Allow meatballs to cool before refrigerating to maintain texture.

Freezing Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

Freeze in a sturdy freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
Label with date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave – Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warmed evenly.
Stovetop – Simmer on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs.

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh meatballs. Adjust cooking time accordingly, cooking on HIGH for about 2 hours or LOW for around 3-4 hours.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs?

They pair wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies. Feel free to get creative with your side dishes!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Ensure that your chili sauce and any other ingredients used are labeled gluten-free.

How do I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

You can reduce the amount of maple syrup or apple butter if you prefer a less sweet flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

These Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, they’re sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite spices or adjusting sweetness levels!

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