If you’re searching for a dish that brings together tangy sweetness and savory goodness, this Cocktail Cranberry Meatballs Recipe will absolutely win your heart. Juicy, tender meatballs mingle perfectly with a luscious sauce that combines spicy jelly, cranberry, and chili sauce, creating an irresistible party appetizer or comfort food that feels special any day of the year. You’ll love how these meatballs deliver a burst of festive flavor with every bite, proving that simple ingredients can come alive in the most delicious ways.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making these spectacular cocktail meatballs. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s providing the meaty base, keeping the texture tender, or bringing that vibrant sweet-and-spicy sauce to life.
- 2 pounds ground chuck: This provides a juicy, flavorful foundation with just the right fat content for tender meatballs.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: They help bind the meatballs and keep them from being too dense.
- 2 large eggs (slightly beaten): An essential binder that adds moisture and holds everything together.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds a subtle heat with a sticky, sweet finish that complements the cranberry.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings depth and umami brightness that balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons minced onion (optional): Provides a mild aromatic punch to enhance flavor complexity.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- 10 ounces hot pepper jelly (1 jar): Infuses the sauce with a sweet-spicy kick that makes these meatballs addictive.
- 12 ounces chili sauce (1 jar): The tangy base that balances the jelly and cranberry for a rich sauce.
- 8 ounces jellied cranberry sauce (1 jar): Adds the iconic festive flavor, sweetness, and a luscious texture to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar: Enhances the caramel notes, making the sauce beautifully sticky.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon): Adds a bright, fresh acidity that lifts all the flavors in the sauce.
How to Make Cocktail Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple preparation step sets the stage for perfectly cooked meatballs without extra mess.
Step 2: Combine the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently mix together ground chuck, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, sweet chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion if using, and kosher salt. Be careful not to overmix—the goal is a tender, juicy bite, so just combine until everything binds together.
Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, which creates perfect bite-size pieces that cook evenly. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about an inch apart so they bake without steaming.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs at 350°F for 10 minutes, then carefully turn each one over to ensure even cooking. Continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and beautifully browned on the outside.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce in a large skillet over low heat. Combine hot pepper jelly, chili sauce, jellied cranberry sauce, dark brown sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently until all the ingredients blend into a smooth, sticky sauce. Remove from heat until the meatballs are ready.
Step 6: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Once baked, transfer the meatballs to the skillet with your sauce. Simmer them gently for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken into a glossy coating that clings to every meatball. Trust me, this slow simmer transforms them into pure magic.
How to Serve Cocktail Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness. You can also add a few whole fresh cranberries for a festive touch that makes the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These cocktail cranberry meatballs pair wonderfully with classic holiday sides like buttery mashed potatoes or a creamy polenta. For a lighter option, serve them alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette—your guests will thank you for the balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow at your next gathering? Serve these meatballs in mini slow cooker warmers or festive crockpots so guests can enjoy them piping hot all event long. You can also skewer them for easy finger food, perfect for holiday parties or game day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cocktail cranberry meatballs keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even tastier the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with a bit of sauce to keep them moist. They will keep for up to 3 months, making this recipe perfect for anytime you want a quick, flavorful snack or appetizer.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or additional sauce to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and maintain that luscious sauce consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground chuck is perfect for its flavor and fat content, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just keep in mind they are leaner, which may affect the juiciness slightly.
Is it okay to skip the minced onion?
Yes, the onion is optional. If you don’t have it on hand or prefer less allium flavor, the meatballs will still be delicious thanks to the robust sauce.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Definitely! To turn up the heat, use a hotter pepper jelly or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Just adjust gradually to your taste.
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
The key is not overmixing the meat with the other ingredients and ensuring you use enough binding agents like eggs and breadcrumbs. Also, gentle handling while forming the balls helps keep them intact.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales up nicely. Just be sure to use a large enough pan for simmering and multiple baking sheets so the meatballs have room to cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Cocktail Cranberry Meatballs Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it combines the comfort of home-cooked meatballs with the festive zing of cranberry and chili sauce. Whether for holidays, parties, or a cozy dinner, these meatballs bring everyone together around the table. I hope you try making them soon—you’re in for a treat that’s as joyful to share as it is to eat!
Print
Cocktail Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful cocktail meatballs simmered in a rich, tangy cranberry and chili sauce mixture, perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground chuck
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced onion (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Sauce
- 10 ounces hot pepper jelly (1 jar)
- 12 ounces chili sauce (1 jar)
- 8 ounces jellied cranberry sauce (1 jar)
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chuck, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, sweet chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion if using, and kosher salt. Mix gently just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring at least 1 inch of space between each meatball for even cooking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs at 350°F for 10 minutes. Then flip each meatball carefully and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until they are fully cooked through and browned.
- Prepare Sauce: While meatballs bake, combine the hot pepper jelly, chili sauce, jellied cranberry sauce, dark brown sugar, and lemon juice in a large skillet over low heat. Stir until the sauce ingredients are well blended, then keep warm off the heat until ready.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Transfer the cooked meatballs into the skillet with the sauce. Simmer over low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the meatballs absorb the flavors.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep the texture tender.
- Turning meatballs halfway through baking ensures even cooking.
- Simmering meatballs in the sauce allows flavors to meld and sauce to thicken for a glossy, rich coating.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- These meatballs can be kept warm in a slow cooker set on low as an alternative to simmering on the stovetop.
