Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are a holiday hit! They’re easy to make with only a few ingredients, perfect for parties, and ready in no time.
Best Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
When it comes to party appetizers or game day snacks, these Cranberry BBQ Meatballs hit the sweet spot—literally! With a blend of tangy cranberry sauce and smoky BBQ sauce, these meatballs are the perfect mix of sweet and savory.
Whether you’re serving them up for a holiday gathering or an afternoon watching football, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Best of all, they come together with minimal prep, a handful of ingredients, and can be made right on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. No fuss, just great flavor in every bite!
Looking for more meatball recipes? Try our Instant Pot Teriyaki Meatballs, Meatball Casserole, and Crockpot BBQ Meatballs with Peach Jelly.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
- Sauce Thickness: If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken it up. It will also thicken a bit as it cools.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the meatballs to prevent overcooking, which can cause them to dry out, especially on the stovetop. If they happen to overcook in the crock pot, the sauce will caramelize and burn.
- Garnishes: Try garnishing with toasted sesame seeds, chopped parsley, chives, or green onions.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick appetizer or dinner down the road.
Recipe Variations
- Make Them Sweet and Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Citrus Zest: Add a bit of orange zest into the sauce for some brightness.
- Homemade Meatballs: Use your favorite homemade meatballs instead of store bought. Make sure to give them a good pan sear ahead of time, so they’re cooked all the way through.
- Change Up the Sauce: Mix in a dash of soy sauce or swap out the BBQ sauce for a sweet chili sauce for a different flavor variation.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Place leftover cranberry meatballs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.
Can you freeze BBQ meatballs?
Yes, you can! After cooking, allow the meatballs to cool completely. Store them in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker until warmed through.
More Appetizer Recipes to Try
Ingredients
- 18 ounce container BBQ sauce
- 14 ounce can cranberry sauce, whole berry or jellied
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 48 ounce bag frozen meatballs, fully cooked
Instructions
Slow Cooker Instructions:
- Mix Sauce: In the base of your slow cooker, combine the BBQ sauce, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.18 ounce container BBQ sauce14 ounce can cranberry sauce3 tablespoons light brown sugar1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Add Meatballs: Place frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, and stir to coat.48 ounce bag frozen meatballs
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1 ½-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh green onions, if desired. Enjoy!
Stove Top Instructions:
- Prepare Sauce: In a large saucepan over low-medium heat, whisk together the BBQ sauce, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.18 ounce container BBQ sauce14 ounce can cranberry sauce3 tablespoons light brown sugar1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Heat Sauce: Bring the sauce to a low simmer while stirring occasionally.
- Add Meatballs: Add the frozen meatballs, and stir to coat.48 ounce bag frozen meatballs
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh green onions, if desired.
Notes
- The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 6 meatballs coated with sauce. Actual calories will vary.