Holiday gatherings call for recipes that are festive, flavorful, and effortless—and nothing captures that spirit better than Christmas Cranberry Meatballs. These glistening, tender meatballs simmer in a sweet-and-tangy cranberry glaze that strikes the perfect balance of savory and festive. Whether served straight from the slow cooker or plated elegantly on an appetizer tray, these meatballs always steal the spotlight at Christmas parties, potlucks, and family celebrations.

If you’ve been searching for a holiday appetizer that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and practically guaranteed to vanish from the table, this is the one.

Why These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Are So Special

This recipe is beloved for many reasons:

• The flavor is unbeatable. The combination of cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, garlic, and brown sugar creates a rich, deep glaze with just the right amount of tang.
• They’re incredibly easy. Mix, roll, bake (or use frozen meatballs), and simmer. That’s it.
• They’re slow cooker friendly. Perfect for busy holidays.
• They double or triple effortlessly—ideal for parties.
• They feel festive. Cranberry brings classic Christmas vibes to every bite.

These meatballs are often served as appetizers but also make an amazing main dish when paired with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Meatballs

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

(You can also use 40 frozen meatballs for an ultra-quick version.)

Cranberry Glaze

• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (homestyle or hickory)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1–2 tablespoons water, if needed to thin

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven (If Using Homemade Meatballs)
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
3. Shape the Meatballs
   Roll into 1-inch balls and place onto the lined baking sheet.
4. Bake
   Bake for 15–18 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
5. Make the Cranberry Glaze
   In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ketchup. Heat over medium heat until smooth.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce
   Add cooked meatballs to the saucepan OR transfer both to a slow cooker.
7. Simmer
   Simmer on low for 20 minutes on the stovetop, or cook on LOW for 2–3 hours in the slow cooker.
8. Serve
   Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm as an appetizer or entrée.

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Tender meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy cranberry-BBQ glaze. The perfect easy holiday appetizer for parties and Christmas gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 40 meatballs

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 170

Ingredients

  

Meatballs

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 onion finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Cranberry Glaze

• 14 oz whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar optional
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• water 1-2 tbsp to thin if needed

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Saucepan
• Slow cooker (optional)

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire until combined.
3. Roll into 1-inch balls and bake 15–18 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ketchup. Heat until smooth.
5. Add cooked meatballs to sauce or transfer both to a slow cooker.
6. Simmer 20 minutes on stovetop or 2–3 hours on LOW in slow cooker.
7. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.

Notes

Use frozen meatballs for a quick version. Keep warm in slow cooker for parties.

Tips for Perfect Holiday Meatballs

1. Use Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

It creates the perfect texture in the glaze.

2. Broil for Extra Browning

Broil homemade meatballs for 1–2 minutes for deeper flavor.

3. Make Ahead Friendly

Both sauce and meatballs can be made ahead and reheated on the day of serving.

4. Keep Warm in a Slow Cooker

This is the best way to serve during parties.

5. Adjust the Sweetness

Use a tangier BBQ sauce to reduce sweetness or add more brown sugar for extra caramelization.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Cranberry Meatballs

Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.

Cranberry Orange Meatballs

Add 1 tablespoon orange zest + a splash of orange juice.

Turkey Cranberry Meatballs

Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter but holiday-themed twist.

Ginger Cranberry Glaze

Add ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger for warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Toothpicks for cocktail parties
• White rice for a full meal
• Mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• Fresh rolls

These meatballs also pair beautifully with a charcuterie board or cheese platter.

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator:

4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer:

Up to 3 months. Freeze meatballs separately for best texture.

Reheating:

Stovetop or microwave; add a splash of water if the sauce thickens.