Description
Succulent “festive cranberry-glazed meatballs” blend savory and sweet flavors in a delightful holiday appetizer. Crimson glaze and tender meat create an irresistible party favorite that guests will eagerly devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 bag (2 pounds / 907 grams) frozen pre-cooked turkey meatballs
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (12 ounces / 340 grams) chili sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) jellied cranberry sauce
Seasoning and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Create a vibrant cranberry glaze by gently warming the jellied cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe container, stirring periodically to achieve a smooth, liquid consistency.
- Enhance the sauce by incorporating chili sauce, fresh orange juice, and rich brown sugar, whisking until the mixture develops a glossy, well-integrated texture.
- Transfer frozen meatballs into a slow cooker, creating an even layer to maximize sauce coverage and flavor absorption.
- Cascade the prepared cranberry glaze over the meatballs, carefully rotating and stirring to ensure each meatball is thoroughly coated with the tangy, sweet mixture.
- Allow the meatballs to simmer on LOW heat for approximately 4 hours, letting them gradually warm through and develop a deep, caramelized flavor profile.
- Once cooking is complete, gently stir the meatballs to redistribute the glossy sauce and ensure uniform coating.
- Present the meatballs on a decorative serving platter, optionally garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley to add a bright, herbaceous note and visual appeal.
Notes
- Slow cooking transforms frozen meatballs into a tender, flavor-packed holiday appetizer perfect for gatherings.
- Cranberry sauce and chili sauce create a sweet-tangy glaze that elevates simple meatballs into a festive dish.
- Low and slow cooking method ensures meatballs are thoroughly heated and absorb maximum sauce flavor without drying out.
- Prepare the sauce mixture beforehand to save time and allow flavors to meld together more effectively.
- Optional parsley garnish adds a fresh pop of color and subtle herbaceous note to the finished dish.
- Easily scalable recipe works great for both intimate family dinners and large party spreads.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg