Easy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Maple Meatballs have all the flavors of fall in a tasty little package! Perfect for your next game day celebration!
Football season is in full swing and that means our family is dreaming up new appetizers for game day. One of our favorite recipes to make and that is ALWAYS a fan favorite is my Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs. They are SO SO easy and no matter how many I make – it’s never enough.
Our family recently went to Apple Hill and came back with loads of apples and gallons (and gallons!) of apple cider. I knew straight away that I wanted to make a new version of cocktail meatballs made with apple cider. It was totally a good call.
Apple cider and maple syrup are the predominant ingredients in the easy slow cooker recipe. I used my favorite frozen meatballs to pull this awesome game day appetizer recipe together.
Being that this is a slow cooker recipe, it’s really ideal for game days because people can grab a few meatballs as needed. The meatballs stay warm and the apple cider – maple glaze just gets more and more delicious.
I slow cook the meatballs with the apple cider, maple syrup, a little apple cider vinegar and then a couple apples chopped – don’t worry about peeling them! The meatballs are ready to go after 3 or 4 hours but can continue cooking on the low or warm setting for up to 9 hours with no problem.
I like to serve these meatballs with fresh apple cubes. The sweet, crisp apples go so well with these savory meatballs and let’s face it, they’re pretty darn cute too.
This recipe is just what you’re going to want to serve at you next football celebration and will have all your friends an family cheering for YOU!
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Maple Meatballs
Ingredients
- 50 frozen meatballs
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 apples cored and chopped
Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray or use a liner.
- Turn the slow cooker on to low.
- Place the meatballs into the slow cooker.
- Combine the apple cider, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar and pour over the meatballs.
- Place the apples on top.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 8 hours. Turn to warm after that.
- Serve warm with additional chopped apples if desired.
Nutrition
More slow cooker favorites!
Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks
Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs
….and more game day appetizers!
Salted Caramel Popcorn with Almonds
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Jessica says
What was your cooking time? 4 to 8 hours is a big window..
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
I love the combination you make with the apple cider vinegar and maple syrup. That sharp vinegar is balanced out perfectly by that amazing, sweet, syrup. Definitely need to try these!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
Love the apple cider maple combo!
Amanda | The Chunky Chef says
OMG these have my name written allllll over them!! Totally trying these soon 🙂
Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says
These look so juicy and flavorful! Can’t wait to try these. Love that you can make them in the slow cooker – perfect fall meal!
Joy @ Joy Love Food says
Slow Cooker cocktail meatballs are a favorite at my house too, your version with the apple cider and maple syrup sounds wonderful!
Sara says
These look awesome and Apple Hill? You’re in Northern CA too?! 🙂
Stephanie says
This is such a smart idea! Wha a perfect way to dress up meatballs for fall!
Erin says
What a great idea! I never have simmered meatballs in apple cider – I am definitely going to try this.
Lora @cakeduchess says
I’m all about baking and cooking with apples these days, especially now that it’s a little cooler. How nice you added apple cider to these meatballs and think they’d be perfect for a cocktail party!!
Ashley (QLCC) says
Omg! I just bought a huge bag of meatballs and I have all this stuff… SO doing this, these look delish!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I am obsessed with apple cider right now! I am adding it to everything. Loving the idea of turning simple meatballs into delicious fall dish!
Yvonne [Tried and Tasty] says
Oh my! I can almost taste these through my screen. I be the flavor was through the roof, they sound incredible!
Liz says
Great recipes. Thank you Trish and have a great weekend!
Amy @Very Culinary says
Oh, how I love a cocktail meatball! Definitely perfect for football parties, or just an easy family dinner. That little apple cube on top is clutch.