A Sweet, Tangy, and Festive Holiday Party Favorite
When the holiday season arrives, every gathering calls for at least one warm, crowd-pleasing appetizer — and Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect choice. These bite-sized, sweet-tangy meatballs are coated in a glossy cranberry BBQ sauce that combines holiday flavors with comforting savory richness. They are incredibly easy to make, loved by both kids and adults, and always disappear fast at parties, potlucks, or Christmas dinners.
The magic of this recipe lies in the sauce: tart cranberries blend with ketchup or BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and spices to create a shiny, sticky glaze with the perfect holiday sweetness. As the meatballs simmer, they absorb all that festive flavor, becoming tender, juicy, and impossible to stop eating. You can make them entirely from scratch or use frozen meatballs for a super quick holiday appetizer — both versions come out amazing.
Whether you serve them directly from a slow cooker, arrange them on a holiday platter, or use toothpicks for easy snacking, these cranberry meatballs bring a touch of Christmas charm to your table.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs (or use 1.5 lbs frozen meatballs)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cranberry Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) whole cranberry sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (or ketchup for a milder taste)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Make the meatballs (if homemade)
In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Roll into 1-inch balls. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through. - Prepare the sauce
In a large pot or skillet, combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili flakes. Heat over medium until smooth and bubbling. - Add the meatballs
Place the cooked (or frozen) meatballs into the pan. Stir to fully coat them in the sauce. - Simmer for flavor
Cover and let everything simmer for 15–20 minutes. The meatballs will absorb the sweet-tangy glaze and become extra soft and flavorful. - Serve warm
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve straight from the pot or keep warm in a slow cooker.
Serving Ideas
- Great as a holiday appetizer with toothpicks
- Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a full meal
- Perfect addition to Christmas buffets and potlucks
- Combine with baked brie, cheese boards, or sliders