I’ve been playing around with party snacks lately, and let me tell you, cranberry meatballs are always a hit! They are simple to make and everyone loves the sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you like them classic or with a little spice, there’s a cranberry meatball recipe for you.
I put together this list of my favorite cranberry meatball recipes so you can easily find the perfect one for your next get-together. You’ll find options that are quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Jump to Recipe:
Classic Cranberry Meatballs for Parties
These cranberry meatballs are a crowd-pleaser and so easy to prepare. They offer a great balance of sweet and tangy, perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Meatballs
- Frozen Meatballs: Using pre-cooked frozen meatballs makes this recipe incredibly fast. Just thaw and heat them up with the sauce.
- Cranberry Sauce: A can of whole berry cranberry sauce works best for texture and flavor in these meatballs. You can also use jellied cranberry sauce if that’s what you have.
What You Need
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen cooked meatballs
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 20-30 meatballs
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together well.
Step 2: Simmer and Add Meatballs
Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it’s simmering, add the frozen meatballs to the sauce.
Step 3: Heat and Serve
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Serve hot.
📝 Final Note
You can keep these meatballs warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting for up to 2 hours, making them great for gatherings.
Easy Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe
This version focuses on making a fantastic sauce to coat your meatballs, whether you make them from scratch or use store-bought. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
- Homemade or Store-Bought: You can use your favorite homemade meatballs or a good quality bag of frozen pre-cooked ones. Both work great with this sauce.
- Chili Sauce: Don’t skip the chili sauce! It adds a touch of heat and depth that balances the cranberry sweetness perfectly.
What You Need
- 1 (14 oz) can cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 lbs cooked meatballs (frozen or homemade)
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: About 24 meatballs
How to Make It
Step 1: Create the Sauce
In a large saucepan or pot, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until smooth.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a low simmer over medium heat. Let it gently bubble for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors blend.
Step 3: Combine and Heat
Add the cooked meatballs to the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly heated through. Serve hot as an appetizer.
📝 Final Note
These meatballs are perfect served with toothpicks for easy grabbing. If you like, garnish with a little chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Spicy Cranberry Chipotle Cocktail Meatballs
Ready for a kick? These cranberry chipotle meatballs add a nice smoky heat to the classic sweet sauce. They are perfect for when you want to surprise your guests with something a little different.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Chipotle Meatballs
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: These are the star for adding smoky heat. You can adjust the amount of peppers based on how spicy you like your food.
- Orange Juice: A splash of orange juice brightens up the sauce and complements the cranberry and chipotle flavors really well.
What You Need
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1.5 lbs cooked cocktail-sized meatballs (frozen or homemade)
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 20-25 meatballs
How to Make It
Step 1: Blend the Sauce Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine the cranberry sauce, chipotle peppers (and adobo sauce), orange juice, brown sugar, and ground cumin. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Step 2: Simmer and Combine
Pour the blended sauce into a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the cooked cocktail meatballs to the sauce, stirring to make sure they are fully coated.
Step 3: Heat Through and Serve
Continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are hot all the way through and the sauce has thickened a little. Serve immediately.
📝 Final Note
For an extra fresh touch, sprinkle a little chopped fresh cilantro over these cranberry chipotle meatballs just before serving. It really brightens up the flavors.