Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a perfect festive appetizer that combines sweet and savory flavors in every bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, these juicy meatballs simmered in cranberry-chili sauce make entertaining effortless and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs directly into the sauce. Stir gently to coat evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until meatballs are heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Transfer to a serving bowl. Optionally, toothpick for appetizers or keep warm in a slow cooker. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary for a festive touch.
Tips & Variations
- Use quality frozen meatballs with good seasoning for best flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer gently to allow flavors to absorb fully.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Add a splash of orange juice for brightness and depth.
- For a zesty twist, stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
- Use whole cranberry sauce instead of jellied for a chunkier texture.
- Try a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday warmth.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap chili sauce for barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. You can also keep leftovers warm in a slow cooker on low heat for 1–2 hours. The flavor improves the next day, making leftovers just as enjoyable.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes! Just pre-cook your homemade meatballs by baking or pan-frying before adding them to the sauce as directed.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. The chili sauce adds gentle heat balanced by the sweetness of cranberry and brown sugar. You can adjust the heat by choosing mild chili sauce or adding spices to taste.
PrintQuick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a delightfully festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Juicy pre-cooked meatballs simmered in a tangy, rich cranberry and chili sauce with hints of brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper. Ready in under 30 minutes, these sweet-savory meatballs bring holiday cheer with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings as an appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Meatballs:
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Meatballs: Add the frozen meatballs directly into the sauce. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl or keep warm in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or rosemary for a festive touch before serving.
Notes
- No need to thaw the frozen meatballs; add them straight into the sauce.
- For homemade meatballs, pre-cook by baking or pan-frying before adding to the sauce.
- Enhance flavor by adding Dijon mustard or a splash of orange juice to the sauce.
- Use a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting to keep meatballs hot during parties.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.
- Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from burning.
- Use quality frozen meatballs for best results.
Keywords: Christmas meatballs, cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizers, quick meatball recipe, festive appetizers, cranberry chili sauce meatballs
