Go Back

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and perfect for any holiday gathering. Made with frozen meatballs and a festive cranberry glaze, they’re an easy, make-ahead appetizer that everyone will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 32 oz frozen meatballs beef, pork, or turkey
Cranberry Sauce
  • 14 oz cranberry sauce whole berry or jellied
  • 12 oz chili sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 orange zest and juice
Optional Garnish
  • chopped parsley or extra orange zest for garnish

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and orange juice. Stir until smooth and bubbly.
  2. Pour the sauce over the frozen meatballs in your slow cooker or a large pot. Stir gently so everything is coated evenly.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thickened and sticky.
  4. Just before serving, sprinkle orange zest or chopped parsley for a festive touch.

Notes

  • To make this recipe spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • For homemade meatballs, bake them first and simmer in the sauce for 30 minutes.
  • These meatballs are perfect as mini sliders or party snacks.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.