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These slow cooker cranberry meatballs are made with just three ingredients! They are the perfect flavor packed party meatball appetizer!
If there is one thing I love at the holidays, it will always be the endless parties filled to the brim with delicious appetizers. I’m such a grazer. I love it.
And when there are meatballs involved, I get even more excited! I have made my Slow Cooker Bourbon BBQ Meatballs for parties, which go fast! And for a good reason – meatballs are the abusively perfect appetizer.
That’s why you are going to love these slow cooker cranberry meatballs. They need just three ingredients! How stinkin’ easy is that?
The meatballs get cooked in a perfect combination of sweet, spice, and tart sauce. It’s a flavor overload! And, while I used beef meatballs, you could use turkey, chicken, or pork.
Ingredients needed
- Jellied cranberry sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Frozen meatballs
How to make cranberry meatballs
I’m making these meatballs in the slow cooker because it makes this whole almost entirely hands-off. I love an easy holiday party recipe.
- Whisk together cranberry sauce and sweet chili sauce until combined.
- Add in frozen meatballs and toss to coat the meatballs in sauce.
- Cook until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or chives.
My Pro Tips
Party Meatball Recipe Tips
I like to use jellied cranberry sauce, but the whole berries will work in its place. If you have leftover homemade cranberry sauce, you can use that as well. You’ll need 14 ounces, which is about 1-3/4 cup.
Many cranberry meatball recipes use plain chili sauce, but I switched to sweet chili sauce. It brings in a boost of spice and a touch of sweetness.
I used beef meatballs, but you can substitute them with turkey or chicken meatballs if desired.
After cooking, put your slow cooker on “warming” mode to keep them warm.
To turn these meatballs into a meal, spoon them over rice with a side of The Best Cucumber Salad!
More party appetizer recipes
Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) bottle sweet chili sauce
- 1 (14 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 (16 ounce) bag frozen meatballs
Instructions
- Add the sweet chili sauce and cranberry sauce to your slow cooker and whisk to combine.
- Add the frozen meatballs and toss to coat them with sauce.
- Set the slow cooker to low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
- These meatballs can be kept warm for up to 1 hour.
- Storage: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
