Christmas Cranberry Meatballs: Quick Holiday Appetizer
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and savory — coated in a festive cranberry-chili glaze and ready in 30 minutes for your next party or holiday spread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1½–2 lbs fully-cooked mini meatballs (thawed if frozen)
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1 can (14 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce
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1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or hot sauce
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Chopped parsley or orange zest for garnish
Instructions
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In a saucepan, heat cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and sugar until bubbling.
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Add meatballs and stir to coat.
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Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until sauce thickens.
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Garnish and serve warm with toothpicks or over rice.
Notes
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Make ahead and reheat before serving.
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Use homemade or plant-based meatballs if preferred.
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Serve from a slow cooker on “warm” for easy entertaining.