Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Gatherings Recipe
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring savory pre-cooked meatballs simmered in a tangy, sweet cranberry and chili sauce, this easy stovetop recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for stress-free entertaining.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 32 meatballs (serves 8 as appetizer) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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 constantly over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the Meatballs: Stir in the frozen meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the meatballs simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated.
- Serve: Transfer the cranberry meatballs to a serving bowl or place them in a slow cooker set to the “warm” setting to keep them hot during your party. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary if desired for a festive touch.
Notes
- There is no need to thaw frozen meatballs before adding them to the sauce.
- If using homemade meatballs, ensure they are pre-cooked before simmering in the sauce.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding Dijon mustard or a splash of orange juice to the sauce.
- Use a slow cooker on the warm setting to keep the meatballs hot throughout your gathering.
- Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
Keywords: Christmas appetizers, cranberry meatballs, holiday party food, easy meatball recipe, festive appetizers
