Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Gatherings Recipe
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.
- 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
