Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Gatherings Recipe
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring tender pre-cooked meatballs simmered in a tangy and sweet cranberry-chili sauce, this recipe is easy to prepare and guaranteed to delight your guests.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 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 it becomes smooth and heated through, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Add the Meatballs: Stir in the frozen pre-cooked meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet or saucepan, and let the meatballs simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until they are thoroughly heated.
- Serve: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl or a slow cooker set to warm to keep them hot during your gathering. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked meatballs for a quick and easy recipe.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of orange juice to the sauce.
- Keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker during serving for convenience at parties.
- This recipe works well with either beef or turkey meatballs depending on your preference.
Keywords: Christmas appetizer, cranberry meatballs, holiday party food, quick meatball recipe, festive appetizers
