Quick 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
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 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
