Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Gatherings Recipe
Introduction
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect festive appetizer for holiday parties. Sweet, tangy, and easy to prepare, they bring a delightful burst of flavor to any gathering.
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 sauce is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat them evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let simmer for 15–20 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 cinnamon to the sauce.
- Use turkey meatballs for a lighter option or beef meatballs for a richer taste.
- Keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker during parties to serve them hot throughout the event.
Storage
Store leftover cranberry meatballs 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 maintain the sauce’s consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before adding the meatballs.
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Ensure homemade meatballs are fully cooked before adding them to the sauce, then simmer together for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
PrintQuick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Gatherings Recipe
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and easy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Coated in a tangy and sweet cranberry chili sauce, these pre-cooked meatballs come together quickly on the stovetop, making them an ideal crowd-pleaser for any Christmas party or holiday event.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings (about 24–30 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 the mixture over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Meatballs: Stir in the frozen pre-cooked meatballs, coating them evenly with the cranberry chili sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the meatballs simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until thoroughly heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl or place them in a slow cooker set to warm for easy party serving. For a festive touch, garnish with chopped parsley or fresh rosemary before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked meatballs to save time and ensure even heating.
- Be sure to cover the skillet while simmering to keep the meatballs moist.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- This recipe can be kept warm in a slow cooker for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Garnish options include fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to add color and fresh flavor.
Keywords: Christmas appetizers, cranberry meatballs, holiday party recipes, quick meatballs, festive appetizers
