These sweet, sour, and fun Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a holiday party favorite. A Sweet, Tangy, and Festive Holiday Party Favorite
Every holiday party needs at least one warm, crowd-pleasing appetizer, and Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the best choice. These small, sweet-and-sour meatballs are covered in a shiny cranberry BBQ sauce that mixes holiday flavors with rich, savory comfort. They are very easy to make, everyone loves them, and they always go quickly at parties, potlucks, or Christmas dinners.
This recipe is special because of the sauce. When you mix tart cranberries with ketchup or BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and spices, you get a shiny, sticky glaze that is just the right amount of sweet for the holidays. Cranberries are also naturally high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which may help keep your immune system healthy and make this holiday dish even more nutritious. As they cook, the meatballs soak up all the holiday flavors, making them soft, juicy, and impossible to stop eating. You can either make them from scratch or use frozen meatballs to make a quick holiday snack. They taste great no matter what.
These cranberry meatballs add a touch of Christmas charm to your table, whether you serve them straight from the slow cooker, put them on a holiday platter, or use toothpicks to make them easy to eat.
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings
- For the meatballs (or use 1.5 lbs frozen meatballs)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- For the cranberry sauce
- 14 oz whole cranberry sauce (1 can)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (or ketchup for milder taste)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
After enjoying these savory Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, finish your holiday meal on a sweet note with our creamy Cappuccino Dessert Recipe. This rich coffee-flavored dessert pairs beautifully with festive appetizers and makes the perfect ending to any cozy family dinner or holiday gathering.
Instructions
- Make the meatballs (if you made them yourself)
In a bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make balls that are 1 inch in diameter. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until done.
- Make the sauce
Mix together the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili flakes in a big pot or skillet. Heat over medium until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
- Put in the meatballs
Put the meatballs that have already been cooked or frozen in the pan. Mix them around so that they are completely covered in the sauce.
- Simmer to add flavor
Put a lid on it and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. The glaze will soak into the meatballs, making them extra soft and tasty.
- Serve hot
Add fresh parsley on top and serve right from the pot, or keep it 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
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade ones?
Yes, absolutely. Frozen meatballs work perfectly for this recipe and save a lot of time. Simply add them directly to the sauce and let them simmer until heated through and coated in the cranberry glaze.
Can I make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker before serving.
What can I serve with cranberry meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. For parties, serve them with toothpicks as an appetizer, followed by a light dessert like cappuccino or chocolate treats.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes. After preparing the sauce, add the meatballs and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Are Christmas Cranberry Meatballs spicy?
Not usually. The chili flakes are optional and only add mild heat. You can easily leave them out for a kid-friendly version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until warm.
Can I freeze cranberry meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze very well. Let them cool completely, then freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.