Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – Easy, Festive Holiday Appetizer Recipe
Introduction
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Sweet and tangy cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with savory meatballs, making this an easy crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are fully heated.
- Step 3: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl or keep warm in a slow cooker. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of ground cloves to the sauce.
- Try turkey meatballs for a lighter option or beef for a richer taste.
- If you want a spicier kick, include a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mix.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day ahead, store them refrigerated, and reheat before serving. This makes hosting less stressful on the day of your event.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce works well and adds a fresh touch. Just be sure it has a similar consistency to jellied sauce to coat the meatballs nicely.
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Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – Easy, Festive Holiday Appetizer Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 32 meatballs, serving 8-10 people 1x
Description
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are an easy and festive holiday appetizer combining sweet, tangy cranberry sauce with savory chili sauce and tender pre-cooked meatballs. This simple recipe heats everything together on the stovetop, creating a perfect dish for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Meatballs:
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Meatballs: Add the frozen pre-cooked meatballs to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the meatballs simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until they are fully heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl or keep warm in a slow cooker set on the warm setting. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary if desired for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked meatballs to save time and simplify preparation.
- This dish can be kept warm in a slow cooker for easy serving during parties.
- For a spicier option, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to add color and freshness.
- Can be made with beef or turkey meatballs depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas meatballs, cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizer, party dish, easy meatballs, festive appetizer
