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Cranberry Sauce Meatballs – Sweet, Tangy, Savory & Perfect for Holidays or Parties

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday appetizer or an easy weeknight dinner that delivers sweet, savory, tangy, and irresistible flavor, these Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This recipe transforms simple, fully cooked meatballs into a glossy, sticky, mouthwatering dish coated in a rich cranberry-chili glaze that bursts with flavor. The combination of sweet berry cranberry sauce, mild chili sauce, and warm brown sugar creates a deep, vibrant sauce that coats every meatball beautifully. Garlic powder and onion powder add a subtle savory balance that keeps the dish from being overly sweet. The best part? Everything comes together effortlessly — just mix the sauce, add the meatballs, heat, and serve. These meatballs are perfect for: ⭐ Holiday gatherings ⭐ Christmas and Thanksgiving appetizers ⭐ Game day snacks ⭐ Family dinners ⭐ Potluck parties ⭐ Meal prep ⭐ Sweet-and-savory lovers Whether served over rice, inside sliders, on toothpicks, or straight from the slow cooker, this dish is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Warm, sticky, festive, comforting, and incredibly easy — this recipe gives you maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce Base
  • 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup chili sauce classic mild style
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
Seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
Meatballs
  • 1 24 oz bag fully cooked meatballs
  • Use beef, chicken, or turkey depending on your preference — all follow your no-pork rule.

Equipment

  • Slow cooker OR large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Serving bowl or platter
  • Optional: toothpicks for appetizers

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Cranberry-Chili Sauce
  1. In a large bowl, combine:
  2. Whole berry cranberry sauce
  3. Chili sauce
  4. Brown sugar
  5. Garlic powder
  6. Onion powder
  7. Pinch of salt
  8. Mix until smooth and glossy.
  9. This creates a sweet, tangy, slightly spicy glaze.
Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method
  1. You can prepare these meatballs in three easy methods depending on your time.
  2. ⭐ Option A — Slow Cooker (Best for parties)
  3. Add meatballs to the slow cooker.
  4. Pour cranberry sauce mixture over them.
  5. Stir to coat all meatballs fully.
  6. Cook:
  7. Low: 4 hours
  8. High: 2 hours
  9. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  10. ⭐ Option B — Stovetop (Fastest version)
  11. Place meatballs in a large pot.
  12. Pour sauce over the top.
  13. Cover and cook over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
  14. ⭐ Option C — Oven
  15. Place meatballs in a baking dish.
  16. Pour sauce on top.
  17. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until hot and coated.
Step 3: Serve
  1. Once the meatballs are glossy, sticky, and fully coated, transfer to a serving dish.
  2. Serve warm with toothpicks, or spoon over sides like rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or roasted veggies.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce for 2–3 months.
Reheating
Stovetop: Add spoonful of water, heat on low
Microwave: 1–2 minutes, stir halfway
Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes
Sauce thickens over time — thin with 1–2 tbsp water if needed.
🥄 Variations
1. Spicy Cranberry Meatballs
Add:
Red pepper flakes
Hot chili sauce
Minced jalapeño
2. Orange-Cranberry Version
Add zest + juice of half an orange.
3. BBQ Cranberry Meatballs
Replace chili sauce with BBQ sauce.
4. Honey Cranberry Glaze
Add 2 tbsp honey for extra shine and sweetness.
5. Savory Herb Version
Add:
Rosemary
Thyme
Parsley
6. High-Protein Version
Use turkey or chicken meatballs.
7. Asian Fusion Version
Add:
Soy sauce
Ginger
Sesame seeds
8. Hawaiian Sweet Version
Add pineapple chunks + pineapple juice.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes — bake them fully first, then add to sauce.
2. Can I use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?
Yes — texture will be smoother but flavor stays great.
3. Are the meatballs spicy?
No — chili sauce is mild. Add heat if you want spicy.
4. Can I use frozen meatballs straight from the bag?
Yes — no need to thaw.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — perfect for large gatherings.
6. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes — cut brown sugar to ¼ cup or remove completely.
7. What type of chili sauce is used?
Classic mild tomato-based chili sauce (not hot sauce).
8. Can kids eat this?
Yes — mildly sweet and savory.
9. Best way to serve as dinner?
With:
Rice
Mashed potatoes
Noodles
Roasted veggies
10. Why does my sauce seem too thick?
Add 2–3 tablespoons water to thin it.
🏁 Conclusion
These Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, savory, and sticky deliciousness. Whether you're preparing them for a holiday gathering, game night, or a cozy dinner, this recipe offers all the comfort and festive flavor with almost no effort.
The rich cranberry-chili glaze elevates simple meatballs into something special, glossy, and irresistible. They’re easy to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to disappear quickly. With a slow cooker or stovetop, you can tailor the preparation to your schedule — but the result is always the same: mouthwatering, addictive, and absolutely unforgettable.
Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Pure comfort.