Save
This Christmas cranberry meatball recipe is perfect for busy home cooks looking to impress guests with minimal effort or to enjoy a festive snack during the holiday season. It blends sweet and tangy flavors with ready-made meatballs to create a crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly.
I first made this after a holiday potluck invitation and it quickly became a family favorite that everyone requests again
Ingredients
- Jellied cranberry sauce: provides a smooth tart sweetness choose a quality brand with real fruit for best flavor
- Chili sauce: adds a subtle kick and depth select one that is not overly sweet for balance
- Brown sugar: softens the tanginess and enhances the savory complexity
- Garlic powder: offers an easy way to add rich savory aroma
- Black pepper: for a warming background note freshly ground works best
- Pre-cooked meatballs: save time pick beef or turkey depending on your preference check for even size so they heat uniformly
Instructions
- Make The Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and warms through about five minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the brown sugar to dissolve fully ensuring a coherent sauce.
- Add The Meatballs:
- Stir in the frozen meatballs gently coating each in the sauce. Lower the heat to medium low, cover the pan, and let simmer for fifteen to twenty minutes allowing the meatballs to heat through and absorb some of the sauce&s flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve:
- Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a warm serving dish or keep them cozy in a slow cooker set to warm. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary to add a fresh touch and contrast to the rich red sauce.
My favorite ingredient here is the chili sauce which adds a gentle heat and complexity that perfects the sweetness of the cranberry. This recipe always reminds me of the first time I served it at a holiday gathering where it vanished within minutes.
Storage tips
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. This dish is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as the flavors mature.
Ingredient swaps
You can use fresh homemade meatballs or switch to vegetarian meatballs based on your dietary needs. Missing chili sauce try substituting with a mixture of ketchup and a splash of hot sauce to replicate the tangy heat. Maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a different sweetness profile that pairs nicely with this sauce.
Serving ideas
Serve these meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside roasted winter vegetables to turn them into a hearty meal. They also shine as a party appetizer with toothpicks or dinner slider sandwiches with tangy coleslaw for crunch.
This dish balances ease and flavor perfectly making it a holiday staple once you try it.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of meatballs work best for this dish?
Frozen pre-cooked meatballs, whether beef or turkey, work well since they absorb the sauce flavors without falling apart.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the cranberry chili sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before adding meatballs to keep flavors fresh.
- → Is it possible to adjust the sauce’s sweetness or spice?
Absolutely. Increasing brown sugar enhances sweetness, while adding more chili sauce or a pinch of cayenne boosts the heat.
- → How should this dish be served at parties?
It can be served warm in a slow cooker or a bowl, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for an inviting presentation.
- → Can fresh meatballs be used instead of frozen?
Fresh homemade meatballs work but require careful cooking to ensure they hold together while simmering in the sauce.