Tart Cherry Meatballs

(Made with Nationally Award Winning Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Salsa)

Quick Summary

These Tart Cherry Meatballs combine Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Salsa for a tangy-sweet glaze that transforms an everyday appetizer into a show-stopping holiday favorite.

Published: November 2010 | Updated: November 2025

Chef’s Note 

We first served these cherry-glazed meatballs during a Traverse Bay Farms in-store tasting event — and they were gone within minutes! The combination of sweet-tart cherry salsa gives the meatballs a beautiful balance of fruitiness and spice. It’s one of those recipes that makes your whole kitchen smell incredible — and cleanup couldn’t be easier.

Prep & Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 3 hours (slow cooker)

• Yield: ~24 meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 jar Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Salsa

• 24 fully cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

1. Add meatballs to a slow cooker.

2. Pour in the Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Salsa

3. Stir gently to coat all meatballs evenly.

4. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker or on skewers for appetizers.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Add a tablespoon of brown sugar for a sweeter glaze.

• Use our Nationally Award-Winning Traverse Bay Farms Zesty Cherry Salsa for extra heat.

• For cocktail parties, serve with toothpicks and garnish with parsley or green onion.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

Calories: 148 | Total Fat: 7g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 10g | Sodium: 320mg

Behind the Recipe

The magic of this dish lies in Traverse Bay Farms’ award-winning Cherry Salsa, made with as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible. It creates a rich glaze that elevates simple meatballs into a gourmet, crowd-pleasing dish — perfect for holidays, tailgates, or Sunday dinners.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes — no need to thaw; just cook a little longer.

Can I make this on the stove instead of a crockpot?
Yes, simmer everything in a covered pot on low for 30–40 minutes.

Can I use turkey or chicken meatballs?
Absolutely. The cherry glaze pairs beautifully with lighter meats.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Bring the Taste Home

Add Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Salsa and Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate to your pantry for quick, flavorful meals that celebrate the best of Michigan-grown cherries — proudly sediment-free and award-winning.

Banner Prompt (16:9)

Create a photo-realistic 16:9 banner showing a bowl or slow cooker filled with cherry-glazed meatballs coated in Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Salsa. Display warm red tones with visible cherry pieces and garnished with parsley. Include the title text “Tart Cherry Meatballs” in an elegant rustic-style font across the top center.