Go Back
+ servings
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Easy Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Holiday Cheer

Enjoy festive Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, a quick and delicious appetizer that brings holiday cheer to your gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 can jellied cranberry sauce Use whole cranberry sauce for a chunkier texture.
  • 1 cup chili sauce Substitute with barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar Optional for those reducing sugar intake.
For the Meatballs
  • 1 bag frozen pre-cooked meatballs beef or turkey; for a homemade version, pre-cook them before adding.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Fresh garlic can be substituted, adjusting quantity to taste.
  • a pinch black pepper Can omit if making for a crowd with children.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, combine jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
  2. Gently stir in frozen pre-cooked meatballs, ensuring each one is coated in sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
  3. Transfer meatballs to a serving bowl or slow cooker set on warm. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 6meatballsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use high-quality frozen meatballs for best flavor. Prepare sauce up to three days ahead and store in the fridge. Freeze leftovers for later enjoyment.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!