Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/christmas-cranberry-meatballs-recipe/
