Introduction

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining tangy cranberry sauce with a hint of spice, this dish comes together easily using pre-cooked meatballs, making it a stress-free crowd-pleaser.

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 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 the meatballs are heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Transfer to a serving bowl. Use toothpicks for easy appetizers or place in a slow cooker set to warm for party serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or rosemary if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a homemade touch, substitute frozen meatballs with your favorite homemade recipe.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or sage as garnish for added aroma and flavor.
Serve with crusty bread or crackers to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out.

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 well in this recipe. Simply prepare and cook them beforehand, then proceed with the sauce and simmering steps as directed.

Is this recipe suitable for turkey meatballs?

Absolutely. Turkey meatballs are a great lean alternative and pair nicely with the cranberry chili sauce.

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Gatherings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 108 reviews

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a perfect festive appetizer combining tangy jellied cranberry sauce with sweet chili sauce and savory meatballs. Using frozen pre-cooked meatballs makes this recipe incredibly easy and fast, ideal for holiday gatherings and parties.

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 takes about 5 minutes.
Add the Meatballs: Add the frozen meatballs directly into the sauce. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are thoroughly heated and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl. You can toothpick them for easy appetizers or place them in a slow cooker on warm to keep them ready for guests. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or rosemary to add a festive touch.

Notes

You can substitute homemade meatballs if preferred, but frozen meatballs save time and effort.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
The meatballs can be kept warm in a slow cooker for extended serving at parties.
Garnish options include fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for aroma and color.
This recipe works well as an appetizer or party snack.

Keywords: Christmas appetizer, cranberry meatballs, holiday party recipe, quick meatballs, festive appetizers