Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs: Sweet, Savory, and Perfect for the Holidays

Last Updated on November 5, 2025 by Chef Josie

When it comes to festive gatherings, nothing steals the show quite like these Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs. Juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a glossy cranberry glaze that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and savory; this appetizer is the ultimate holiday crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve dinner, a cozy holiday party, or a Christmas buffet, these cranberry-glazed meatballs deliver all the warm, seasonal flavors you crave. With minimal prep and ingredients, they’re a stress-free recipe that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Serve them straight from a slow cooker for easy entertaining or pile them high on a festive platter; they’re guaranteed to disappear before the night ends.

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Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

• Festive flavor: Tart cranberry meets savory meatballs for the perfect holiday bite.
• Simple ingredients: Pantry staples make this easy enough for weeknights, special enough for parties.
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping before guests arrive.
• Crowd-pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Serve as appetizers, over rice, or alongside mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cranberry Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) jellied or whole cranberry sauce
• ¾ cup chili sauce (or ketchup)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Optional: pinch of cinnamon for a holiday twist

Instructions

1. Make meatballs: Combine beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Roll into 1-inch balls.
2. Cook meatballs: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
3. Prepare sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar. Heat until smooth.
4. Combine: Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10–15 minutes until fully coated.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with toothpicks or over rice.

Notes and Top Tips

• Use frozen meatballs for an even faster appetizer; just heat directly in the sauce.
• Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the sauce for extra brightness.
• Keep warm in a slow cooker on low during parties.
• Make it spicier by adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are perfect as holiday party appetizers or part of a Christmas dinner buffet. Serve them on cocktail picks as Christmas finger foods or spoon them over mashed potatoes for a cozy dinner.

Variations:

• Turkey Cranberry Meatballs: Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs: Combine sauce and frozen meatballs in a slow cooker, cook on low for 4 hours.
• BBQ Cranberry Meatballs: Add ¼ cup of barbecue sauce for smoky sweetness.
• Swedish-Style: Stir in sour cream after cooking for a creamy twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with extra sauce.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat.
• Make ahead: Prepare sauce and meatballs separately; combine and heat before serving.

Why You’ll Make Them Again

These Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are everything you want in a holiday dish: easy, delicious, and irresistibly festive. The tangy cranberry glaze balances perfectly with the savory meat, creating a bite that captures the magic of the season.

Whether served as a Christmas snack, holiday appetizer, or part of a Christmas dinner spread, this recipe never fails to impress. It’s simple enough for weeknight prep but elegant enough for your most special gatherings.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cranberry meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, cook the meatballs and prepare the sauce up to two days in advance. Reheat together before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Absolutely! Use frozen meatballs for convenience. Just simmer longer in the sauce until heated through.

3. What’s the best way to serve them at a party?
Keep them warm in a slow cooker or serve on skewers for easy bite-sized portions.

4. Can I make these without chili sauce?
Yes, substitute with ketchup and add a bit of Worcestershire or soy sauce for depth.

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