Description
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect holiday appetizer with tender meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. This easy Christmas meatballs recipe is festive, crowd pleasing, and ideal for parties, potlucks, and cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
1 package frozen meatballs, 24 to 32 ounces
1 can cranberry sauce, 14 ounces
1 bottle chili sauce, 12 ounces
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, stir together the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Place the frozen meatballs in a large skillet, Dutch oven, or slow cooker.
3. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir until evenly coated.
4. Cook on the stovetop over medium low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are hot and the sauce is bubbling. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
5. Stir once more so the meatballs are fully glazed.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use whole berry cranberry sauce for a chunkier texture or jellied cranberry sauce for a smoother glaze.
These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving, which makes them especially helpful for holiday hosting.
For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of hot sauce to the cranberry mixture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg