Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Gatherings Recipe
Introduction
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect festive appetizer for holiday gatherings. With a tangy cranberry chili sauce and juicy pre-cooked meatballs, this easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
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 cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
- Step 3: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl or keep warm in a slow cooker set to “warm.” Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary if desired and serve.
Tips & Variations
- No need to thaw frozen meatballs—add them straight into the sauce for convenience.
- If using homemade meatballs, pre-cook them before adding to the sauce.
- Add a splash of Dijon mustard or orange juice for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use a slow cooker on the “warm” setting to keep meatballs hot during parties.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain sauce consistency. Leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, just make sure to fully cook the meatballs before adding them to the sauce to prevent undercooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be gluten-free if you use pre-cooked meatballs and chili sauce that do not contain gluten. Always check labels to be sure.
PrintQuick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Gatherings Recipe
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring pre-cooked meatballs simmered in a tangy and sweet cranberry chili sauce, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings (based on 3–4 meatballs per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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 jellied 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.
- Add the Meatballs: Stir the frozen meatballs into the sauce, coating them evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet or saucepan, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are thoroughly heated.
- Serve: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl or place them in a slow cooker set to the warm setting to keep hot. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary before serving.
Notes
- No need to thaw frozen meatballs; add them straight into the sauce.
- If using homemade meatballs, make sure they are pre-cooked before adding to the sauce.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Dijon mustard or orange juice to the sauce.
- To keep warm during parties, use a slow cooker set to the ‘warm’ setting.
- Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
Keywords: Christmas appetizer, cranberry sauce, meatballs, holiday recipe, party food, easy meatballs, quick appetizer
