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–+ servings
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Flavorful Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Fun

Delightful Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs that combine sweet jellied cranberry and chili sauce for a festive appetizer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 meatballs
Course: APPETIZERS
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Jellied Cranberry Sauce Substitute with whole cranberry sauce for added texture.
  • 1/2 cup Chili Sauce Use barbecue sauce for a smokier flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Adjust based on taste preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Feel free to use fresh garlic but reduce the amount slightly.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Swap with white pepper for a milder touch.
For the Meatballs
  • 1 bag Frozen Pre-cooked Meatballs (Beef or Turkey) Use homemade meatballs if desired.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • serving bowl
  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Make the Sauce
  1. In a large skillet, mix together jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Heat over medium until smooth, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes.
Add Meatballs
  1. Incorporate frozen meatballs directly into the sauce, ensuring they’re well-coated. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to heat through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve
  1. Once heated, transfer the meatballs to a serving bowl or set your slow cooker to warm. For an extra festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or rosemary.

Nutrition

Serving: 3meatballsCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Optional: Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at gatherings. Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days to save time on festive occasions.

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