Description
These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs combine the sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce with savory chili sauce for a 25-minute appetizer that’s festive, flavorful, and perfect for holiday entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until smooth and glossy.
- Add frozen meatballs directly to the sauce and stir gently to coat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until meatballs are heated through and sauce is thickened.
- Transfer to a serving dish or slow cooker and garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary.
Notes
Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version. Add orange zest or fresh ginger for extra flavor. Always simmer gently to avoid burning the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: christmas cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizers, sweet and tangy sauce, festive meatballs, party food