Cranberry Orange Holiday Meatballs

Easy Cranberry Orange Meatballs

A festive, sweet-and-savory appetizer perfect for the holidays, game days, or any gathering. These slow cooker meatballs come together in minutes with just four simple ingredients and deliver bold cranberry-orange flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 28 ounces frozen Swedish or Italian meatballs
• 12 ounces chili sauce (such as Heinz)
• 14 ounces whole-berry cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the meatballs to the slow cooker.
Place the frozen meatballs into your crockpot. There’s no need to thaw them first — the slow, gentle heat will cook them perfectly tender.

Step 2: Mix the sauce.
Pour the chili sauce and cranberry sauce over the meatballs. Add the orange juice to the empty chili sauce bottle, shake it to loosen any remaining sauce, and pour it into the crockpot. This ensures you capture every drop of flavor.

Step 3: Stir to coat.
Gently stir until all the meatballs are evenly coated with the sweet and tangy sauce mixture. Make sure every piece gets a nice glaze for even flavor.

Step 4: Cook until heated through.
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly and cling beautifully to the meatballs as they heat.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy.
Once hot throughout, turn the slow cooker to “warm” to keep them at the perfect serving temperature during parties or gatherings. Serve with cocktail picks for easy snacking.

Pro Tips

• Choose your meatballs wisely: Frozen Swedish or Italian meatballs work great, but you can also use homemade ones if you prefer a personal touch. If using homemade, reduce cooking time slightly since they’re already cooked.
• Want it saucier? Some brands have slightly smaller bag sizes. If you end up with fewer meatballs, you’ll have extra sauce — which makes for a richer, more flavorful coating.
• Make ahead for convenience: Prepare the meatballs as directed, allow them to cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat in the slow cooker on low until hot.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Cranberry Orange Holiday Meatballs pair perfectly with a variety of festive dishes and snacks:

• Serve them alongside stuffed mushrooms, bacon-wrapped dates, or cheese platters for a complete holiday appetizer spread.
• For a heartier meal, spoon them over buttered egg noodles, white rice, or mashed potatoes. The sauce doubles beautifully as a glaze for these bases.
• Pair with a refreshing cranberry spritzer or sparkling orange punch for a cohesive flavor theme.

These meatballs are also a great addition to a game-day buffet with sliders, dips, and chips. The sweet-tart sauce balances out savory snacks beautifully.

Tips for Flavor Variations

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy chili sauce for a touch of heat.
• Citrus upgrade: Swap orange juice for orange marmalade to add both sweetness and texture.
• Tropical version: Substitute pineapple juice for orange juice to create a bright, fruity flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the slow cooker on low for 30–45 minutes or warm them gently on the stovetop over medium heat.

These meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply cool them completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro Storage & Serving Tips

• Keep the slow cooker on “warm” during parties to maintain ideal serving temperature without overcooking.
• If transporting to an event, use a slow cooker with a locking lid or transfer to an insulated food carrier.
• Garnish with orange zest or fresh cranberries for a festive presentation.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	255	11g	19g	14g	2g	15g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Orange Holiday Meatballs are proof that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dish. With just minutes of prep and a few pantry staples, you can serve a festive appetizer that delights every guest.

The balance of tangy cranberry, zesty orange, and savory chili sauce transforms ordinary meatballs into a show-stopping party favorite. Whether for Christmas parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or Sunday football, this dish is guaranteed to shine on your table.

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