Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – Easy, Festive Holiday Appetizer Recipe
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are an easy and festive holiday appetizer featuring tender pre-cooked meatballs simmered in a tangy-sweet cranberry and chili sauce. Perfect for gatherings and holiday parties, this recipe combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors for a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- 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 (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 the mixture over medium heat until it becomes smooth and is heated through, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the Meatballs: Stir in the frozen pre-cooked meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet or saucepan, and let the meatballs simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl or keep warm in a slow cooker set on the warm setting. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary before serving to add a festive touch.
Notes
- Use turkey meatballs for a lighter alternative to beef.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for enhanced presentation and flavor.
- Keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker during parties for easy serving.
- If unavailable, chili sauce can be substituted with a combination of ketchup and a few dashes of hot sauce.
- This recipe can be made a few hours ahead and reheated gently for convenience.
