If there’s one holiday appetizer that always disappears before you can even blink, it’s Christmas Cranberry Meatballs. These little bites of joy are sweet, tangy, savory, and festive in every possible way. Seriously—who knew that combining juicy meatballs with cranberry sauce could create such an addictive party food? (Okay, maybe your grandma did, but let’s pretend it’s a groundbreaking discovery.)

This dish is quick, fun, ridiculously flavorful, and practically guaranteed to become a new holiday tradition. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve dinner, a casual holiday potluck, a New Year’s gathering, or even a low-key snacking night in December, these Holiday Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are your new go-to.

So grab your mixing bowl, channel your festive spirit, and let’s dive into a recipe that’s about as comforting as holiday music playing softly in the background.

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Every family has that holiday recipe—simple, nostalgic, and always requested. These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs fall perfectly into that category. They’re the kind of appetizer that pulls you in with its glossy, ruby-red glaze and holds your attention with that irresistible blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

The best part? This recipe doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s built on a foundation of simple ingredients and speedy steps. No frying. No complicated techniques. Just mix, roll, bake, and coat in that iconic Cranberry Meatball Sauce.

Plus, these little beauties adapt to anything. Serve them as an appetizer, as a main dish over rice or mashed potatoes, or keep them warm in a slow cooker so guests can help themselves all night long. Honestly, they might be even more versatile than Santa’s schedule.

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Why You’ll Like This Recipe

Let’s be real—you’re going to love these for more reasons than one:

⭐ They’re FAST

This Simple Cranberry Meatball Recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Prep is minimal and cleanup is easy.

⭐ They’re festive

Nothing says “holiday food” quite like Meatballs And Cranberry Sauce coated in a glossy, jewel-toned glaze.

⭐ Crowd-pleasing flavor

Sweet, tangy, savory, and perfectly balanced. These meatballs appeal to pretty much everyone—even picky eaters.

⭐ Great for serving a crowd

Keep them warm in a slow cooker (FYI: this trick saves lives at parties).

⭐ Customizable

Turkey? Beef? Chicken? Go wild. You can even swap the sauce ingredients depending on your flavor mood.

⭐ Holiday vibes galore

If appetizers had a holiday spirit level, these would be at 100%.

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Ingredients Needed

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground meat – Use beef, turkey, chicken, or a mix. Whatever makes your tastebuds happy.
• 1 egg – Helps hold the meatballs together.
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs – Binder for texture.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped – Fresh flavor boost.
• ¼ cup pecorino cheese – Adds salty, bold flavor (Parmesan works too!).
• ¼ tsp salt – Just a touch because pecorino is already salty.
• ¼ tsp black pepper – Classic seasoning.
• 2 tbsp tomato puree – Helps bind and deepen flavor (not the same as canned tomato sauce!).

For the Cranberry Sauce

• 9 oz whole cranberry sauce – The sweet-tart star of the show.
• ⅓ cup ketchup – Adds depth and balances the tang.
• 3 tbsp sweet Thai chili sauce – Mild heat + sweet stickiness.
• ⅛ cup water – Optional if the sauce feels too thick.

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How to Make

1. Prep the meatballs

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix all meatball ingredients in a bowl. Use your hands—it’s the best kitchen tool you already own.

2. Shape the meatballs

Scoop into 24 portions, roll into balls, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Bake

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, or until fully cooked.

4. Make the cranberry sauce

In a pot or skillet, whisk together cranberry sauce, ketchup, and Thai chili sauce. Simmer gently. Thin with water if needed.

5. Combine

Add the cooked meatballs to the pan and coat well with the sauce.

6. Serve warm

These gorgeous Meatballs Cranberry Sauce bites are ready to steal the show.

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Pro Tips

• Don’t over-salt. Pecorino is salty enough on its own.
• For sweeter sauce: Add a spoonful of brown sugar.
• For tangier sauce: Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Use fresh parsley. IMO, flat-leaf parsley tastes way better here.
• Avoid pureed tomatoes. Not the same product and will change the texture.
• Make ahead: Bake meatballs, store, and toss in sauce right before serving.

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Variations to Try

🔹 Spicy Version

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze.

🔹 Smoky BBQ Version

Swap ketchup for smoky BBQ sauce.

🔹 Cranberry Meatballs Costco-Style

Use frozen meatballs + cranberry sauce + chili sauce = fast “copycat” version.

🔹 Ballpark Style

Use beef + Parmesan + extra black pepper.

🔹 Holiday Herb Twist

Add rosemary or thyme to the meat mixture.

🔹 Sweeter Glaze

Mix in honey or maple syrup for a sweeter finish.

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Best Way to Serve

• Serve warm right from the skillet.
• Add to your holiday appetizer table beside dips and finger foods.
• Turn into a meal by serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
• Keep warm in a slow cooker on KEEP WARM or LOW.
• Pair with mini rolls for DIY slider sandwiches.

These pair beautifully with:
• BLT egg sliders
• Slow cooker spinach dip
• Breadsticks
• Mini sandwiches

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Storage

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze cooked meatballs + sauce for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight.

Reheat

Warm on the stove, microwave, or slow cooker.

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FAQ

Why are my meatballs tough?

You may have over-mixed the meat. Mix just until combined.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! Bake the meatballs in advance and refrigerate. Heat with sauce right before serving.

Can I use canned cranberry sauce?

Absolutely. Whole berry cranberry sauce works best for texture.

What meat works best?

Beef is classic. Turkey and chicken make lighter versions.

How do I keep meatballs warm for parties?

A slow cooker on KEEP WARM is perfect.

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