Can I make these meatballs spicier?

Yes! For extra kick, add a few shakes of hot sauce, crushed red pepper, or use a spicy chili sauce instead of regular.

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Cooked homemade meatballs work great — just reduce the slow cooker time to about 1 hour since they’re already cooked through.

Yes, pineapple juice or orange marmalade both make excellent substitutes, adding their own distinct sweetness and flavor depth.

Yes. Combine all ingredients in a large pot, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Definitely. Double all ingredients and use a larger slow cooker. Increase the cook time by about 30 minutes to ensure even heating.

These cranberry orange holiday meatballs are the perfect party appetizer—sweet, savory, and made with just 4 ingredients in the crockpot!

Scale

28 ounce bag frozen Swedish or Italian meatballs

12 ounce bottle chili sauce

14 ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce

1/4 cup orange juice

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1. Add the meatballs to a crockpot.

2. Pour the chili sauce and cranberry sauce on top.

3. Add orange juice to the chili sauce bottle, shake, and pour into the crockpot.

4. Stir to coat evenly.

5. Cook on high for 2 hours or until meatballs are hot.

6. Stir occasionally and switch to low/warm for serving.

Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3 days.

Substitute orange juice with marmalade or pineapple juice.

Use spicy chili sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.