Description
Succulent Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs bring New England charm to party appetizers with cranberry-infused sauce. Guests will savor these juicy, tangy bites that perfectly blend sweet and savory flavors for an irresistible starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds frozen pre-cooked cocktail-size meatballs
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 (14 ounces / 396 grams) can jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 (12 ounces / 340 grams) bottle chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant sauce by melting cranberry sauce with chili sauce over medium heat, whisking until silky and uniform.
- Incorporate brown sugar and black pepper into the sauce, stirring thoroughly to create a rich, complex flavor profile.
- Gently introduce frozen or pre-cooked meatballs into the simmering sauce, ensuring each sphere is completely enveloped in the glossy mixture.
- Reduce heat to low, covering the pan to allow meatballs to absorb the tangy essence for approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Periodically stir the meatballs to prevent sticking and promote even heating throughout the cooking process.
- Check meatball internal temperature reaches 165°F, confirming they are fully heated and infused with sauce.
- Transfer to a serving dish, allowing excess sauce to cling to each meatball.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and fresh herb notes.
- Serve immediately while warm, presenting as an irresistible appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- Keep meatballs uniform in size for even cooking and consistent flavor absorption.
- Use homemade or high-quality store-bought meatballs for better texture and taste.
- Experiment with different sauce variations by adding a splash of bourbon or orange zest for extra depth.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in meatballs and verify sauce ingredients are celiac-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg