Holiday Hot Cranberry Meatballs – Super King Markets

Holiday Hot Cranberry Meatballs: The Perfect Party Appetizer

A tasty appetizer that is guaranteed to disappear quickly from anyone's holiday party table. A slow cooker’s best friend, as you can simmer them before serving and keep them hot for the duration of your party, Delicious!

Recipe Summary

Prep: 20 mins

Cook:1 hr 20 mins

Total: 1 hr 40 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or seasoned)

• 3 tablespoons minced onion

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1 large egg

For the Sauce:

• 1 (8-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce

• ¾ cup chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced onion, water, and egg. Mix thoroughly.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a nonstick baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, turning once for even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Cranberry Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

1. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce.
2. Simmer on low heat for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Optional Slow Cooker Method

1. For convenience, transfer the cranberry sauce and baked meatballs to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low heat and keep warm for the duration of your party.

Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them. Combine with the sauce just before serving.
• Serving Ideas: Garnish with fresh parsley and pair with toothpicks for easy serving.
• Customization: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice or swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.

For a complete meal, serve our flavorful cranberry meatballs with a bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup to add a creamy, comforting touch to your holiday spread.

FAQs About Holiday Cranberry Meatballs

Q: Can I freeze these meatballs?
A: Yes, bake the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. When ready to serve, heat them in the cranberry sauce.

Q: What can I serve alongside these meatballs?
A: These pair wonderfully with a cheese platter, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check the ingredients in the chili sauce.