Introduction

These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs offer a festive twist on a classic appetizer, combining tangy cranberry sauce with a sweet and savory glaze. They’re perfect for holiday parties or cozy family dinners.

A white bowl filled with two layers of food: the bottom layer is a thick, dark red sauce with a glossy texture and chunks that look like berries or fruit. On top of this sauce, there is a layer of round meatballs that are brown with a slightly crispy texture and are coated evenly with the glossy dark red sauce. Small pieces of bright green parsley are scattered over the meatballs and sauce, adding fresh color and texture. The photo's background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (14 oz) can jellied cranberry sauce
1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
1 (32 oz) bag frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Add the frozen pre-cooked meatballs directly into the simmering glaze. Stir gently to ensure all meatballs are thoroughly coated.
Step 4: Continue to simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through completely and have absorbed some of the delicious glaze.
Step 5: Transfer the warm meatballs to a serving platter or festive bowl. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives, orange zest, or toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with toothpicks as an appetizer, or alongside rice or mashed potatoes as a main course.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Use turkey meatballs for a lighter option or beef meatballs for a richer taste.
Garnish with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and holiday flair.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

The dish shows several brown meatballs covered with a shiny dark red sauce that looks thick and slightly chunky, sitting in a shallow layer of the same sauce at the bottom of a white bowl. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the meatballs and sauce, with a small bunch of fresh green parsley in the center on top. The meatballs are round and textured with a slightly crispy look where they are uncovered by the sauce. The bowl is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and glaze separately, then combine and heat them just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned?

Absolutely, homemade cranberry sauce works well and can add a personal touch to this recipe. Just ensure it’s smooth or slightly chunky for best texture in the glaze.

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 746 reviews

These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer or main dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Tender pre-cooked meatballs are simmered in a tangy and sweet glaze made from jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar, infused with subtle garlic and pepper notes. Easy to prepare and beautifully festive, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors that everyone will love.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 (32 oz) bag frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)

Glaze

1 (14 oz) can jellied cranberry sauce
1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined and smooth to ensure even flavor distribution.
Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Combine Meatballs and Glaze: Add the frozen pre-cooked meatballs directly into the simmering glaze. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly with the flavorful glaze.
Heat Through: Continue to simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This warms the meatballs thoroughly and allows them to absorb the delicious cranberry-chili glaze.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer the warm meatballs to a serving platter or festive bowl. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley, chives, orange zest, or toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with toothpicks as a tasty appetizer or accompany with rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty main dish.

Notes

Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs for convenience and faster preparation.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
Garnishes such as fresh herbs or orange zest add a festive and fresh touch.
Can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop before serving.

Keywords: Christmas meatballs, cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizer, sweet and tangy meatballs, party food, easy meatball recipe, pre-cooked meatballs