Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the holiday appetizer that disappears in minutes. Sweet cranberry sauce meets tangy BBQ in a slow cooker with tender meatballs easy, festive, and ridiculously addictive. The glossy cranberry glaze and savory meatballs create that perfect sweet-tangy combo everyone craves at holiday parties.

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Course: Appetizer, dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Christmas cranberry meatballs, Christmas party food, cranberry BBQ meatballs, cranberry meatballs recipe, crockpot cranberry meatballs, easy holiday recipes, festive cranberry meatballs, holiday cocktail meatballs, holiday meatballs, party appetizer meatballs, slow cooker cranberry meatballs, sweet and tangy meatballs

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 3

Keep Warm Time: 2

Total Time: 3 10

Servings: meatballs

Calories: 245kcal

Cost: $12.50

Equipment

1 Slow cooker or crockpot (4-6 quart) For cooking meatballs in cranberry sauce
1 Mixing Bowl To combine cranberry and BBQ sauce
1 Spoon or ladle To stir and coat meatballs in sauce
1 Serving dish with toothpicks For easy party appetizer presentation

Ingredients

▢ 2 lbs frozen meatballs Store-bought works great
▢ 1 can whole cranberry sauce
▢ 1 cup BBQ sauce Any brand you love
▢ ¼ cup brown sugar Adds sweetness
▢ 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar For tang
▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder Optional for depth
▢ ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat
▢ Fresh parsley For garnish

Instructions

Combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and well blended. Add garlic powder and red pepper flakes if using. This sweet-tangy sauce is what makes these Christmas cranberry meatballs addictive.
Place frozen meatballs in your crockpot in a single layer if possible. Pour the cranberry BBQ mixture over the meatballs. Stir gently to coat every meatball in that glossy sauce. No need to thaw the meatballs first—they'll cook perfectly from frozen.
Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. The meatballs should be heated through and the sauce thickened into a beautiful glaze. If you're in a rush, cook on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. The longer cooking time lets the flavors meld together.
Once cooked, switch to WARM setting for serving. These festive cranberry meatballs stay perfect for 2-3 hours on warm—great for parties. Stir occasionally to keep them coated. Serve with toothpicks in a festive dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for color.

Notes

The magic is in that sweet-tangy cranberry glaze that coats every meatball. Make these ahead and keep warm in the slow cooker during your party they stay perfect for hours and guests can serve themselves.

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