Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for entertaining. It uses simple ingredients, works beautifully in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, and delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
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Cranberry Meatballs: A Sweet-and-Savory Party Favorite That Always Disappears First
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Sweet and tangy cranberry meatballs simmered in a rich cranberry sauce, perfect as a holiday appetizer or easy party dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen or homemade beef meatballs
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Add meatballs to a saucepan or slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Cook on the stovetop over low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Great served with toothpicks as an appetizer.
- You can use grape jelly instead of brown sugar for extra sweetness.
- These meatballs freeze well after cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Simmering / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Frozen or homemade meatballs
Form the hearty, savory base of the dish and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Cranberry sauce
Adds tangy sweetness and creates the signature glossy coating.
Chili sauce
Brings savory depth and mild heat that balances the cranberries.
Brown sugar
Enhances sweetness and rounds out the sauce flavor.
Garlic powder
Adds gentle savory warmth without overpowering.
Black pepper
Provides mild seasoning and balance.
Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
Brightens the sauce and enhances the cranberry flavor.
Fresh parsley (optional)
Adds color and freshness for serving.
Directions
Begin by placing the meatballs into a slow cooker or large saucepan. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and lemon juice or vinegar until smooth.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs and gently stir to coat evenly. If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thick and glossy. If using the stovetop, simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once hot and well coated, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm with toothpicks or over rice.
Essential Equipment
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Serves 8–10 as an appetizer
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 2–3 hours on low (or 25 minutes on stovetop)
Total time: about 2 hours 5 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. These meatballs freeze very well for up to three months and are excellent for meal prep or future gatherings.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Cranberry Meatballs
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
Grape-Cranberry Blend
Use half cranberry sauce and half grape jelly for classic sweetness.
BBQ Cranberry Meatballs
Replace chili sauce with barbecue sauce for smoky flavor.
Orange Cranberry Meatballs
Add orange zest or juice for citrus brightness.
Turkey Meatball Version
Use turkey meatballs for a lighter option.
Low-Sugar Option
Use reduced-sugar cranberry sauce and skip brown sugar.
Crock Pot Party Style
Keep warm on the low or warm setting during events.
Dinner-Style Meatballs
Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
Garlic Lover’s Version
Add extra garlic powder or minced garlic.
Holiday Herb Finish
Add a sprig of rosemary for festive presentation.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes, homemade meatballs work beautifully.
Are these meatballs sweet or savory?
They are balanced with both sweet and savory notes.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they are perfect for making ahead and reheating.
Do I need to thaw frozen meatballs first?
No, they can go directly into the sauce.
Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes, bake covered until hot and bubbly.
What chili sauce should I use?
Any mild bottled chili sauce works well.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they are mild and widely enjoyed.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales very easily.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
Toothpicks, rice, or mashed potatoes pair well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if using gluten-free meatballs.
Conclusion
Cranberry Meatballs are a timeless appetizer that combines tender, savory meatballs with a bright, sweet-tangy sauce that keeps everyone coming back for more. Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining, they are ideal for holidays, parties, or even simple family meals. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is one you can rely on whenever you need a guaranteed crowd favorite.
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