CRANBERRY SAUCE MEATBALLS: The Sweet & Savory Appetizer Everyone Will Love!

Table of Contents: Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Remember those holiday gatherings where the food was always a hit? The kind that sparked conversation and left everyone wanting more? Well, get ready to recreate that magic with these incredibly easy and flavorful Cranberry Sauce Meatballs!

This recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, bringing together the comforting familiarity of meatballs with the bright, tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from festive parties to cozy family dinners.

These aren’t your average meatballs. The combination of chili sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of spice creates a glaze that’s utterly irresistible. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – this recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re looking for a quick party appetizer or a sweet and savory addition to your weeknight meal, these Cranberry Sauce Meatballs deliver. And yes, they are fantastic in a slow cooker! We’ll cover all the details to ensure your success.

This recipe is a wonderful way to use up leftover cranberry sauce, too! Don’t let that jar sit forgotten in the fridge – transform it into something truly special. It’s a dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia, and we think it will quickly become a staple in your home.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find recipes for these delicious bites called “Cranberry Meatballs,” “Holiday Meatballs,” or even “Sweet Chili Meatballs.” Some variations include adding a splash of orange juice to the sauce for extra brightness, or incorporating a bit of ginger for a more complex flavor profile.

For a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper. If you’re looking for a different take on slow cooker meatballs, this cranberry version is a fantastic option.

Ingredients: Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Cranberry Sauce Meatballs:

• * 1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce
• * 1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce
• * ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• * ½ teaspoon chili powder
• * ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• * ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• * 1 package (32 ounces) frozen fully cooked home-style meatballs, thawed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
Chef’s Tip: Using jellied cranberry sauce gives the sauce a beautiful, glossy texture. If you prefer whole berry cranberry sauce, that will work too, but the sauce will be a little less smooth.

2. Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is simmering gently. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Add the Meatballs: Gently add the thawed meatballs to the simmering sauce. Stir to coat them evenly.

4. Cook Through: Continue to simmer the Cranberry Sauce Meatballs for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and well-coated with the sauce. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.

5. Slow Cooker Option: For a slow cooker version, combine all ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This is perfect for keeping them warm at a party appetizer buffet!

6. Serve & Enjoy: Serve the Cranberry Sauce Meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional). They’re delicious on their own, or with a side of rice or mashed potatoes.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories: 250 per serving (estimate, varies with meatball type)

These Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are a fantastic example of easy comfort food for family dinners or a quick and satisfying snack.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What makes these Cranberry Sauce Meatballs so special? It’s the balance of flavors! The sweetness of the cranberry sauce and brown sugar is perfectly offset by the savory meatballs and the subtle heat from the chili powder and cayenne pepper. This combination creates a truly addictive taste that will have everyone coming back for more.

Using pre-cooked, frozen meatballs makes this recipe incredibly convenient. However, if you prefer to make your own meatballs from scratch, feel free to do so! Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the sauce. For a richer flavor, consider using a higher-quality chili sauce. And don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your personal spice tolerance. This recipe is all about making it your own!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftover Cranberry Sauce Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, you can either microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or place them in a saucepan and heat them gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. For the best results, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to the saucepan to prevent them from drying out. Reheating in a slow cooker on low is also a great option for parties.

People Also Ask: Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

How do you make cranberry sauce meatballs?

These Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are incredibly simple to make! You start by combining jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Simmering this mixture creates a delicious, glossy glaze. Then, you simply add thawed, pre-cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them heat through, ensuring they are fully coated.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease and the fantastic flavor combination. It’s a perfect dish for beginner cooks or anyone short on time, and it’s a guaranteed hit as a party appetizer.

What kind of meatballs are best for this recipe?

While you can use homemade meatballs, frozen fully cooked home-style meatballs are the most convenient option for this Cranberry Sauce Meatballs recipe. Look for meatballs that are about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Beef and pork blends work particularly well, but you can also use turkey or chicken meatballs if you prefer.

The key is to ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the sauce, as the sauce primarily serves to heat them through and coat them in flavor.

Can I make these in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Making these Cranberry Sauce Meatballs in a slow cooker is a fantastic way to keep them warm and ready to serve, especially for parties. Simply combine all the ingredients – cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, spices, and meatballs – in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an even more delicious dish.

H3: Are these good for a party appetizer?

Yes, these Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are excellent as a party appetizer! The sweet and savory flavor combination is universally appealing, and they are incredibly easy to eat. They can be served warm from the stovetop or kept warm in a slow cooker for a self-serve option. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, and provide toothpicks for easy handling. They’re always a crowd favorite!

Conclusion: Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

So there you have it – a recipe for Cranberry Sauce Meatballs that’s sure to become a new favorite! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice level to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste. We hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share your results with us. We love hearing from our readers! Let us know in the comments what you thought, and if you made any fun variations.

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