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Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – Sweet, Tangy, Festive, and Ready Fast

These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the easiest holiday appetizer ever. Juicy meatballs simmer in a sweet-tangy cranberry BBQ sauce that tastes like you spent hours on it. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or last-minute holiday snacking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 32 oz bag frozen meatballs
  • 1 14 oz can jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce sweet or smoky
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar optional, for extra sweetness
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot, skillet, or slow cooker
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Make the Sauce
  1. In a large pot or skillet, combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and garlic powder. Heat over medium until smooth.
Add Meatballs
  1. Stir in frozen meatballs and coat them well in the sauce.
Simmer
  1. Cover and cook 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are heated through and sauce is glossy.
Serve
  1. Keep warm in a slow cooker if serving for a party. Add toothpicks and you’re good to go.

Notes

Slow cooker method: Combine everything and cook on LOW 3 hours.
Want it spicy? Add 1–2 tbsp hot sauce or crushed red pepper.
Cranberry swap: You can use whole berry cranberry sauce for extra texture.