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
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Slow Cooker Setup: Arrange frozen meatballs in an even layer within the slow cooker, maximizing sauce coverage and flavor penetration.
- Sauce Application: Pour the prepared cranberry glaze over meatballs, gently rotating to ensure complete and uniform coating of each piece.
- Cooking Process: Simmer on LOW heat for 4 hours, allowing meatballs to warm thoroughly and develop a rich, caramelized flavor profile.
- 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