Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Gatherings Recipe
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.
- 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
