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Peach glazed meatballs are sweet and spicy and a cinch to put together! And the best part is your slow cooker does all the work. These meatballs are perfect for a potluck, holiday party, graduation, BBQ or an easy weeknight dinner.

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There are so many combinations for frozen meatball appetizers in the crockpot! There’s the classic BBQ sauce and grape jelly; honey, garlic and ketchup; or classic marinara sauce. But this combination might be my favorite! It’s so easy, just 5 ingredients and a dump and go recipe. You’re going to love it!

What you’ll need

Find the full, printable recipe with exact measurements at the bottom of this post. Read on for more details and tips!

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• 3-7 quart crockpot

Frozen Meatballs

Using frozen, fully cooked meatballs keeps this recipe ultra easy and convenient—perfect for busy weeknights or party appetizers. You can use:

• Beef, turkey, or chicken meatballs, depending on your preference.
• Choose homestyle or Italian-style for a milder flavor, or spicy for a little kick.
  No need to thaw—just toss them right into the slow cooker.
• If using homemade meatballs, ensure they are precooked, or for raw meatballs increase the cook time to 7 hours on low/ 4 hours on high.

Peach Preserves

This is the star of the glaze! Peach preserves bring:

• Sweetness and fruity flavor that balances the tang and spice from the other ingredients.
• A sticky, glossy texture that coats the meatballs beautifully.
  Look for preserves that have chunks of real peach for a more homemade flavor.
• Substitute apricot or orange preserves.

Chili Sauce

This adds the tangy, zesty base of the glaze. Chili sauce is like a ketchup upgrade, with a slightly spiced tomato flavor that:

• Pairs perfectly with sweet fruit preserves
• Adds depth, tang, and just a hint of heat
  Look for it near the ketchup in the condiment aisle (popular brands include Heinz or store brand).

Vidalia Onion (or any sweet onion)

Vidalia onions are known for their natural sweetness, which enhances the fruity glaze without overpowering it. When slow cooked, the onions:

• Melt into the sauce, adding subtle flavor and richness
• Balance the sweetness of the preserves with a mild savory note
• I also love that Vidalia onions tend to not make my eyes tear up when cutting, like other onions can.

Worcestershire Sauce

Just a splash brings big flavor. Worcestershire sauce is:

• Umami-rich and slightly tangy
• Enhances the meaty flavor of the meatballs
• Adds a savory depth that keeps the glaze from being too sweet

Easy peasy! If you aren’t a fan of onions you could leave out the onion, or just leave it in quarters so you can remove it before serving.

Try using sliced, cooked kielbasa instead of meatballs for a different dish! Yum!

How to make it

It’s almost too easy!

Lightly spray a 4 quart or larger size crock pot with nonstick cooking spray or use a crock pot liner for easy clean up.

Thinly slice the onions and spread them evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the frozen meatballs on top.

In a bowl, whisk together the peach preserves, chili sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through.

Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or spoon over rice for a delicious meal. Enjoy!

Did you enjoy this recipe? Take a picture and tag me @StephGigliotti on social media and #StephRealLife. I would absolutely love to see your finished dish!

⭐ Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comment section.

Can I Use Homemade Meatballs?

Yes! Here’s how to do it:

• Shape the meatballs to about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter so they cook evenly.
• Place them in a single layer as much as possible, or gently stagger.
• Ensure the sauce covers or coats the meatballs to keep them moist.
• Cook on low 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• They should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center.

Optional tip: If you want extra flavor and a firmer texture, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet or bake them at 400°F for 10–12 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker—but it’s not required.

Serving Suggestions

As an Appetizer

• Serve with toothpicks on a platter for game day, potlucks, or holiday parties.
• Tuck into slider buns or Hawaiian rolls for peach-glazed meatball sliders—perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
• Keep them warm right in the slow cooker with the lid on low or warm setting.

As a Main Dish

• Spoon over steamed white or jasmine rice for a sweet-and-savory dinner.
• Serve with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or even cauliflower mash.
• Try them over buttered noodles or garlic rice pilaf.
• Add a side of roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple garden salad to balance the sweetness.

Variations

• Use a different meatball: Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner version.
• Change up the preserves: Apricot or Orange preserves – slightly tart and just as sticky-sweet, Pineapple jam or crushed pineapple in juice – for tropical flair, or Apple jelly- great with chicken or pork meatballs
• Switch the sauce: Use BBQ sauce instead of chili sauce for a smokier flavor, add sriracha, buffalo sauce or hot sauce to spice it up, or combine the chili sauce with a little ketchup and brown sugar for a simple homemade chili-style sauce.

More Appetizers

• Asparagus and Prosciutto Tart
• Cheesy Garlic Bread Sliders
• Baba Ganoush
• Spinach Balls
• Crescent Dough Veggie Pizza

These five ingredients come together in the crock pot to create a sticky-sweet, tangy, savory glaze that clings to every bite of tender meatball. Perfect for potlucks, game day, or a no-fuss family dinner!

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