Jolly Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs Recipe for Holiday Magic

Succulent meatballs dancing with a vibrant cranberry glaze promise to be the star of any gathering.

This festive cranberry-glazed meatballs recipe brings a burst of tangy sweetness to your plate.

Tender, perfectly seasoned meat mingles with a glossy, ruby-red sauce that catches every eye at the table.

Rich flavors blend seamlessly, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer that sparks conversation.

The balance of savory and tart notes makes these meatballs irresistible.

Guests will find themselves reaching for seconds before the plate is even half empty.

Serve these delectable bites and watch as they become the talk of your next celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 174 kcal

Servings: 13

Festive Cranberry-Glazed Meatball Ingredient Guide

• Jellied Cranberry Sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy foundation that creates a luxurious glaze with deep berry undertones.
• Chili Sauce: Adds a subtle kick and complexity to balance the sweetness of the cranberry.
• Orange Juice: Brightens the sauce with citrusy notes and helps create a smoother consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances caramelization and deepens the overall flavor profile of the glaze.

• Frozen Meatballs: Convenient protein base that absorbs sauce flavors beautifully and requires minimal preparation.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor to elevate the final presentation.

Cooking Tools for Juicy, Glazed Meatballs

• Slow Cooker: Essential for easy, hands-off cooking of meatballs in flavorful sauce.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Perfect for melting and mixing cranberry sauce smoothly.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending cranberry sauce, chili sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar into a uniform glaze.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure sauce ingredients for balanced flavor.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Optional for chopping fresh parsley as a garnish.

How to Simmer Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce

• Cranberry Sauce Preparation

Gently warm jellied cranberry sauce in microwave, stirring between short heating intervals until smoothly melted.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend melted cranberry sauce with chili sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar, creating a rich, tangy glaze that will coat the meatballs perfectly.

• Slow Cooker Magic

Transfer frozen meatballs into slow cooker, then generously pour the vibrant sauce over them, ensuring each meatball gets a delicious coating.

• Low and Slow Cooking

Allow meatballs to simmer on LOW setting for approximately 4 hours, letting them absorb the sweet and spicy sauce while becoming wonderfully tender.

• Festive Presentation

Plate the glossy, sauce-covered meatballs, offering an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor hint.

Sweet and Savory Tips for Perfect Texture

• Meatball Magic Hacks: Perfect your cranberry-glazed meatball game with these pro tips!
• Sauce Consistency Control: Adjust sauce thickness by adding more orange juice for a lighter glaze or reducing cooking time for a more concentrated flavor.
• Homemade Meatball Option: Swap frozen meatballs with freshly made beef or turkey meatballs for a personalized touch. Simply pre-bake homemade meatballs to ensure they're fully cooked before slow cooking.
• Spice Adventure: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the cranberry sauce for those who love a little extra zing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce and meatballs a day ahead, refrigerate, and slow cook when ready to serve. This method allows flavors to meld deeper, creating an even more delicious dish.
• Serving Sidekick Suggestions: Pair these meatballs with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious cranberry glaze.

Serving Meatballs With Toothpicks or Toasted Rolls

• Holiday Party Centerpiece: Arrange meatballs in a festive ceramic dish surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and tiny cranberries for a stunning appetizer display that screams seasonal celebration.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer Platter: Create a beautiful wooden board with meatballs nestled alongside toothpicks, crackers, and small bowls of extra sauce for easy self-serving at gatherings.
• Cocktail Companion: Pair these tangy meatballs with crisp white wine or a seasonal craft beer to elevate the flavor profile and make your appetizer feel extra gourmet and sophisticated.
• Game Day Delight: Serve these meatballs in a warm slow cooker during sports events, allowing guests to help themselves while enjoying the rich, sweet-and-spicy cranberry glaze that keeps them tender and delicious.

Save Glazed Meatballs for Holiday Leftovers

• Quick Batch Preparation: Cook a double batch of meatballs and sauce during weekend meal prep, storing extra portions in airtight containers for convenient weeknight dinners or unexpected gatherings.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover meatballs in sealed containers within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always use clean utensils when handling to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. These delicious bites can remain frozen for approximately 3 months without losing flavor quality.
• Reheating Tips: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs in a microwave, covered, using 30-second intervals to prevent overcooking. Alternatively, reheat in a covered skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute warmth evenly and maintain sauce consistency.

Succulent Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent cranberry-glazed meatballs bring holiday cheer to dinner tables with their tangy sweet glaze. Festive party guests will savor these hearty bites that combine rich meat and zesty cranberry sauce in perfect harmony.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bag (2 pounds / 907 grams) frozen pre-cooked turkey meatballs
• 1 bottle (12 oz / 340 grams) chili sauce
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 grams) jellied cranberry sauce
• 2 tbsps orange juice
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Glaze Preparation: Melt jellied cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe container, stirring until smooth and liquid. Whisk in chili sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar to create a glossy, harmonious glaze.
2. Slow Cooker Setup: Arrange frozen meatballs in an even layer within the slow cooker, maximizing sauce coverage and flavor penetration.
3. Sauce Application: Pour the prepared cranberry glaze over meatballs, gently rotating to ensure complete and uniform coating of each piece.
4. Cooking Process: Simmer on LOW heat for 4 hours, allowing meatballs to warm thoroughly and develop a rich, caramelized flavor profile.
5. Final Touch: Stir meatballs to redistribute the glistening sauce, creating a consistent and appetizing presentation. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing accent.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Tip: Assemble the cranberry glaze mixture up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to intensify and simplifying day-of preparation.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to prevent sugar from settling and ensure a smooth, glossy glaze that clings perfectly to meatballs.
• Slow Cooker Strategy: Use a single layer of meatballs for even heat distribution and maximum sauce coverage, preventing potential cold spots or uneven cooking.
• Garnish Impact: Fresh parsley not only adds visual brightness but introduces a subtle herbal freshness that cuts through the rich, sweet-tangy glaze.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 174
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg