Cranberry Meatballs
User Reviews
5
Cranberry Meatballs
Description
This recipe uses 2 pounds of frozen cocktail meatballs simmered in a mixture of canned jellied cranberry sauce and Thai sweet chili sauce in a slow cooker. The blend of these two sauces produces a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy glaze that coats the meatballs. Cooking low and slow (2-4 hours) tenderizes the meatballs while concentrating the sauce flavors.
The texture balances the firm meatballs with a sticky, flavorful sauce. Some versions suggest thicker sauces by cooking uncovered near the end or using different sauces like ketchup or barbecue sauce to alter the flavor profile. Garnishing with chopped chives adds color and a subtle fresh note.
These meatballs are served as appetizers or party snacks, keeping warm in the slow cooker. They can be made ahead and reheated. They are best enjoyed within a few days, and sauce thickness can be customized.
The recipe allows substitutions for meatball type, sauce variety, and spice level, providing flexibility. Heating previously frozen meatballs before slow cooking is recommended to retain juiciness. Storage in airtight containers preserves leftovers for 3-4 days.
Ingredients
- 14 ounces cranberry sauce canned, jellied
- 14 ounces Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 pounds cocktail meatballs frozen
Instructions
- Add the cranberry sauce and sweet chili sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to combine well.
- Add the frozen meatballs and stir to coat completely with the cranberry sauce mixture.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
- Garnish with chopped chives if desired.
- Keep on the warm setting in the crockpot for up to 1 hour.
Notes
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Substitute Thai sweet chili sauce with ketchup, Heinz chili sauce, or BBQ sauce if preferred.
- Add cayenne pepper for increased spiciness or brown sugar for more sweetness.
- Pre-cooking homemade meatballs for 10 minutes before slow cooking helps lock in juices.
- Turkey meatballs can be used as a leaner alternative.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the slow cooker lid during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 64meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 60 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1meatball | |
| Calories | 60kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 70mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 42mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 4IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 2mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
