Introduction

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a perfect festive appetizer that combines tangy cranberry sauce with savory meatballs for a delightful bite. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, they make any holiday gathering special and stress-free.

A white bowl filled with about fifteen round meatballs, each coated in a thick, shiny red sauce that looks rich and glossy, with some sauce pooling at the bottom. The meatballs are light brown, slightly textured, and evenly cooked. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast to the deep red sauce. The bowl sits on a brown woven mat, all against a white marbled background, creating a warm and inviting setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs directly into the sauce. Stir gently to coat them evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 3: Transfer the meatballs to a serving bowl. For easy serving, add toothpicks or keep warm in a slow cooker on the warm setting. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or rosemary for a festive touch.

Tips & Variations

Use turkey meatballs for a lighter option, or homemade meatballs if you prefer fresh over frozen.
Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the sauce for extra brightness and complexity.
Serve with crackers or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover cranberry meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until warmed through. They also freeze well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with about fifteen round meatballs, each coated in a shiny red cranberry sauce, with visible whole cranberries mixed in. The sauce is thick and glossy and covers most of the meatballs, leaving parts of the brown meat visible. Bright green small parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding color contrast. The bowl sits on a beige cloth over a white marbled surface, and the overall look is warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, homemade meatballs work great. Just cook them fully before adding to the sauce, then simmer together to blend flavors.

How spicy is the sauce?

The sauce has a mild kick from the chili sauce balanced by the sweetness of the cranberry and brown sugar. You can adjust the heat by choosing a milder or spicier chili sauce according to your preference.

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Gatherings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 90 reviews

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and easy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. These tender meatballs are smothered in a sweet and tangy cranberry chili sauce, combining traditional holiday flavors with a spicy kick. Ready in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for busy hosts looking to impress guests with minimal effort.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 32 meatballs, serves 8-10 as an appetizer 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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, which should take 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 pan, and let the meatballs simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until they are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl. For easy party appetizers, serve with toothpicks. Alternatively, place them in a slow cooker set on warm to keep them ready to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or rosemary for a festive touch.

Notes

Using frozen pre-cooked meatballs significantly reduces preparation time.
You can substitute with homemade meatballs if preferred, but cooking time may vary.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to add color and aroma.
These meatballs can be kept warm in a slow cooker for several hours during parties.
Adjust the brown sugar slightly if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.

Keywords: Christmas meatballs, cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizers, quick party recipes, easy meatball sauce