Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
These Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs are the perfect festive appetizer to bring joy to any holiday gathering! Whether you opt for homemade meatballs from your favorite recipe, store-bought options, or leftovers, this dish is designed for convenience and taste. The delightful blend of jellied cranberry sauce, zesty chili sauce, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the savory goodness of the meatballs. A make-ahead dish that simmers easily on the stovetop, these meatballs are always a hit and will disappear fast from any serving platter. Perfect for Christmas parties, casual get-togethers, or a comforting family meal. Enjoy these delightful bites that bring warmth and cheer to your table!
25
Servings
120
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cocktail meatballs
2 (2 lb) bags (Frozen, precooked, 1-inch size)
Jellied cranberry sauce
1 (16 ounce) can (No preparation needed)
Chili sauce
1 (12 ounce) bottle (No preparation needed)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberry sauce is melted and the mixture is smooth.
3
Once the sauce is ready, add the frozen cocktail meatballs to the saucepan.
4
Gently stir to ensure the meatballs are well coated with the sauce.
5
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the saucepan. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
6
After 30 minutes, check that the meatballs are heated through and serve immediately.
7
For serving, transfer the meatballs to a chafing dish or slow cooker to keep them warm throughout your gathering.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
12g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs?
These are festive appetizers featuring meatballs glazed in a blend of jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and aromatic spices.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 25 servings.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 120 calories per serving.
What type of meatballs should I use?
The recipe calls for two 2-lb bags of frozen, precooked cocktail meatballs about 1-inch in size.
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use homemade meatballs from your favorite recipe, store-bought options, or even leftovers.
What type of cranberry sauce is required?
The recipe specifies using one 16-ounce can of jellied cranberry sauce.
How much chili sauce do I need?
You will need one 12-ounce bottle of chili sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick from the chili sauce and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
What spices are used in the glaze?
The glaze uses 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
In a large saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper.
How long do the meatballs need to simmer?
The meatballs should cook for 30 minutes on medium-low heat.
Should I thaw the meatballs before cooking?
No, the instructions specify adding frozen cocktail meatballs directly to the prepared sauce.
Should the saucepan be covered while cooking?
Yes, cover the saucepan and cook for 30 minutes after adding the meatballs.
How often should I stir the meatballs?
Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to make sure the meatballs are well coated.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
After 30 minutes of simmering, check that the meatballs are heated through.
How should I serve these meatballs at a party?
Transfer them to a chafing dish or slow cooker to keep them warm throughout your gathering.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, these meatballs are a great make-ahead dish that simmers easily on the stovetop.
What is the total weight of meatballs used?
The recipe uses 4 pounds of meatballs in total (two 2-lb bags).
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as an Appetizer.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 6g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 12g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 6g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for Christmas?
Yes, it is a perfect festive appetizer for Christmas parties and holiday gatherings.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The cranberry sauce is melted down until the mixture is smooth, creating a mouthwatering glaze.
Can I serve this as a main meal?
While intended as an appetizer, they can also be served as a comforting family meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: meatballs, cranberry sauce, chili sauce, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
What temperature should the stove be set to initially?
Cook the sauce ingredients over medium heat until melted and smooth.
What temperature should the stove be set to once meatballs are added?
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Are these meatballs kid-friendly?
They are sweet and savory, though the cayenne adds a bit of spice that may be adjusted for kids.
Is there any preparation needed for the jellied cranberry sauce?
No preparation is needed; it is added directly from the can to the saucepan.