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Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – Sweet, Savory & The Ultimate Holiday Party Bite

When the holidays arrive, everyone looks for easy, festive, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers, and these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs fit the bill perfectly. Sweet, tangy, and warmly comforting, they’re coated in a glossy cranberry sauce that instantly feels celebratory. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for busy holiday hosting. These meatballs shine as holiday comfort food. The rich sauce balances sweet cranberry notes with savory depth, while the tender meatballs absorb every bit of flavor. Served warm, they’re perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings—and they disappear fast.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Frozen beef or chicken meatballs fully cooked
  • Jellied cranberry sauce
  • Chili sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Note: Any meatballs containing pork are replaced with beef or chicken.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or slow cooker
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving dish or bowl
  • Toothpicks (optional)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the sauce
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the jellied cranberry sauce and chili sauce.
  2. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
Step 2: Season the sauce
  1. Add brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  2. Stir well and let the sauce gently simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
Step 3: Add the meatballs
  1. Add the frozen beef or chicken meatballs directly to the sauce.
  2. Stir gently to coat evenly.
Step 4: Simmer to perfection
  1. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and well glazed.
Step 5: Serve warm
  1. Transfer to a serving dish or keep warm in a slow cooker on WARM.
  2. Serve with toothpicks for easy party snacking.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, stirring occasionally.
🥄 Variations
Extra Sweet: Add a little more brown sugar.
Tangier Flavor: Add an extra spoon of cranberry sauce.
Holiday Spice: Add a small pinch of ground cinnamon or allspice.
Slow Cooker Method: Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours.
Mini Bites: Use smaller meatballs for appetizer trays.
❓ 10 FAQs
Are these meatballs more sweet or savory?
They’re perfectly balanced.
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes, as long as they’re fully cooked.
Do they taste spicy?
No, they’re mild and family-friendly.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, they taste even better the next day.
Best way to serve at parties?
Warm, with toothpicks.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely.
Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, it becomes glossy and clingy.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, perfect for large gatherings.
Do I need to thaw meatballs first?
No, use them frozen.
How long can they stay warm?
Several hours on the WARM setting.
🏁 Conclusion
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are everything a holiday appetizer should be—easy, festive, and irresistibly delicious. With tender meatballs coated in a sweet-tangy cranberry sauce, they’re a stress-free recipe that delivers big holiday flavor every time.