The Juiciest Sweet-Tangy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs Recipe

Have you ever craved a delightful sweet and tangy cranberry cocktail meatballs dish that surprises everyone at the party?

Bold flavors dance across your palate with each succulent bite.

Perfectly seasoned meatballs complement the vibrant sauce, creating an irresistible combination.

Tender meat mingles with a glossy, zesty coating that makes mouths water.

Home cooks can easily recreate this crowd-pleasing appetizer without complex techniques.

Our simple method ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Serve these meatballs and watch guests ask for your secret recipe.

Why Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs Are Holiday MVPs

• Transform Party Appetizers: Cranberry cocktail meatballs elevate any gathering with their crowd-pleasing combination of sweet and tangy flavors, making them an instant hit for guests.
• Master Simple Cooking Skills: Beginner cooks can confidently create these meatballs with basic ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, ensuring a delicious result every time.
• Versatile Meal Solution: These meatballs work perfectly as an appetizer, game day snack, or main course, offering flexibility for different dining situations and meal plans.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: The harmonious blend of cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar creates an irresistible sauce that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a universal favorite.

Tangy and Sweet Ingredients in These Cocktail Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides the hearty foundation for these delicious meatballs.

• Bread Crumbs, Eggs: These ingredients help hold the meatballs together and ensure a perfect texture.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: These simple seasonings enhance the savory flavor of the meatballs.

• Cranberry Sauce, Chili Sauce: These ingredients create a sweet and tangy sauce that coats the meatballs.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and additional sweetness to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, acidic balance to the rich and sweet flavors.

• Toothpicks: Perfect for easy party-style serving.
• Rice: An optional side dish to turn the appetizer into a complete meal.

Making Sweet & Tangy Meatballs That Disappear Fast

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Bread crumbs
• Eggs
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Shape Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into bite-sized spheres, approximately 1-inch in diameter.

Place each meatball carefully on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.

Step 4: Bake Meatballs

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes until the meatballs develop a golden-brown exterior and are fully cooked through.

Step 5: Craft Cranberry Sauce

• Cranberry sauce
• Chili sauce
• Brown sugar
• Lemon juice

Cook over medium heat, stirring periodically until the mixture becomes smooth and heated.

Step 6: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Gently transfer the baked meatballs into the sauce. Carefully coat each meatball, ensuring an even sauce distribution.

Step 7: Simmer and Infuse

Allow meatballs to simmer in the sauce. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 2-3 hours.

On the stovetop, simmer for 20-30 minutes to enhance flavor melding.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Present the meatballs warm, using toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Alternatively, serve over rice for a complete meal that will delight guests and family alike.

Tips for Juicy, Flavor-Balanced Meatballs

• Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier twist on these meatballs, reducing overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Crush some breadcrumbs finely to ensure a smoother, more compact meatball texture that holds together perfectly during baking.
• Add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or parsley to the meat mixture for an extra layer of aromatic complexity and depth.
• Consider making the meatballs ahead of time and freezing them before cooking to save preparation time during busy party planning.
• Adjust the sauce's sweetness by experimenting with different ratios of cranberry sauce and brown sugar to suit your personal taste preferences.

Try These Creative Swaps for Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

• Spicy Sriracha Meatballs: Replace cranberry sauce with sriracha and honey for a fiery kick, adding red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatballs: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and oregano into the meat mixture. Swap the sauce with a tomato-based marinara and Greek yogurt blend.
• Asian-Inspired Glazed Meatballs: Use soy sauce, ginger, and hoisin sauce instead of cranberry sauce. Mix green onions and sesame seeds into the meat mixture for authentic Asian flavors.
• Maple Bourbon Meatballs: Substitute cranberry sauce with maple syrup and bourbon, adding a touch of Dijon mustard for depth and complexity in the sauce.

What Dishes Love Hanging Out with These Meatballs

• Elevate Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs Pairing
• Uncork Bold Red Wine: Zinfandel or Syrah perfectly complement the sweet-tangy sauce, cutting through the richness of the meatballs with robust fruit notes and spicy undertones.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select an amber ale or brown ale with caramel hints that match the meatballs' sweet-savory profile, enhancing the cranberry and chili sauce complexity.
• Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the meatballs' richness, adding a fresh, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Keep Those Tangy Meatballs Tasting Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Pack meatballs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave Reheat: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs: Your Top Questions Answered

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.

• How do I prevent meatballs from being dry?

Mix in breadcrumbs and eggs, which help retain moisture. Also, avoid overcooking by checking internal temperature and not leaving them in the oven too long.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet cranberry sauce and mild spices make these meatballs appealing to children. The chili sauce adds just a hint of warmth without being too spicy.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance, store separately in the refrigerator, and reheat gently before serving.

Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes (including slow cooker option)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cranberry cocktail meatballs deliver a mouthwatering blend of savory and sweet flavors that will delight guests at any gathering. Quick and easy to prepare, these irresistible bites promise to elevate your party spread with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
• 2 large eggs

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 16-ounce (454 grams) can jellied cranberry sauce
• 1 12-ounce (340 grams) bottle chili sauce
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Craft delectable meatballs by blending ground beef with bread crumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Meticulously shape the meat mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
3. Arrange the raw meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring ample spacing between each morsel.
4. Roast the meatballs in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
5. Simultaneously, construct a vibrant sauce by whisking together cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and zesty lemon juice in a large pot or slow cooker.
6. Heat the sauce mixture over medium temperature, stirring periodically until ingredients meld into a smooth, glossy consistency.
7. Gently transfer the freshly baked meatballs into the simmering sauce, carefully coating each piece with the tangy glaze.
8. Allow meatballs to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 hours in a slow cooker or 20-30 minutes on the stovetop to enhance flavor absorption.
9. Present the glazed meatballs warm, garnished with toothpicks for effortless nibbling during gatherings or serve alongside fluffy rice for a complete dining experience.

Notes

• Ensure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the batch.
• Consider using lean ground beef or turkey to reduce overall fat content while maintaining juicy flavor.
• Swap bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for celiac or gluten-sensitive guests.
• Test internal meatball temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety, aiming for 160°F (71°C).

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes (or 2-3 hours in a slow cooker)
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg