Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef or pork

½ cup breadcrumbs

¼ cup milk

1 egg

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

½ tsp smoked paprika

For the Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce:

½ cup cherry preserves or cherry jam

2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce, minced

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Optional Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley

Extra cherry sauce for dipping

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 1–1.5 inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake Meatballs:
Bake 15–18 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned.
Make Cherry Chipotle Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine cherry preserves, chipotle, ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Glaze Meatballs:
Toss cooked meatballs in the cherry chipotle sauce until fully coated.
Serve:
Serve as an appetizer or over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Adjust heat by using more or less chipotle in adobo.

Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Make ahead: bake meatballs ahead of time; reheat in sauce before serving.

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder to the sauce.