co*cktail Meatballs (Cranberry Meatballs) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

co*cktail Meatballs (Cranberry Meatballs) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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co*cktail Meatballs are the best holiday appetizer! These sweet and spicy cranberry meatballs are cooked in a cranberry pepper jelly sauce, which gives them the perfect kick of flavor. These cranberry sauce meatballs are just so delicious! The best Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve appetizer without a doubt.

co*cktail Meatballs (Cranberry Meatballs) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Why We Love This co*cktail Meatball Recipe

I’ve always loved pepper jelly, and it adds just enough zip to these cranberry meatballs. They don’t have a strong cranberry taste, but it’s just the right amount. Just enough spice and just enough sweetness.

Variations on Cranberry Meatballs

You can mix up the flavor of these meatballs by using different flavors of jelly. I like the spicy element hot pepper jelly adds to the sauce, but classic grape jelly also works well, and so does apricot! The chili sauce will still provide some heat, making these meatballs a great balance of sweet and spicy.

co*cktail Meatballs (Cranberry Meatballs) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

co*cktail Meatballs (Cranberry Meatballs) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover co*cktail meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan set over medium-low heat until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze co*cktail meatballs in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cranberry meatballs simply as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing and extra sauce for dipping. Or serve them as a meal over a bed of basmati rice or mashed potatoes.

Pair them with holiday punch, Christmas sangria, or cranberry margaritas to play up their tart and sweet flavor.

What are co*cktail meatballs made of?

These bite-sized meatballs are made from beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, sweet chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, and kosher salt.

How many eggs should you put in meatballs?

I recommend using 1 egg per pound of meat.

Can you over-mix meatballs?

Yes! Use your fingers and a light touch to mix and shape the meatballs so that they do not turn out tough.

How many co*cktail meatballs per person?

I usually plan for 4 meatballs per person. This recipe makes about 40 (1½-inch) meatballs, so it will serve 10.

Can I make these meatballs smaller?

You sure can! I like the 2-3 bite size of these meatballs, but you can make them 1-inch for a one-bite treat. This recipe will make about 140 (1-inch) meatballs, which is enough for about 24 people!

Can you eat co*cktail meatballs cold?

You sure can! These meatballs are tasty both hot and cold.

co*cktail Meatballs (Cranberry Meatballs) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (5)

More Appetizer Meatballs We Love

  • Sheet Pan Party Meatballs
  • Grape Jelly Meatballs
  • Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs
  • Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
  • Baked Turkey Meatballs
  • Peruvian Chicken Meatballs

5-Star Review

“I have tried many different meatball recipes over the years. I made these last night and they are now my family’s favorite.” – Sherry

Recipe

co*cktail Meatballs Recipe (Cranberry Meatballs)

4.19 from 167 votes

Author: Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie

Prep: 20 minutes minutes

Cook: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Total: 1 hour hour 50 minutes minutes

co*cktail Meatballs (Cranberry Meatballs) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

Serves10

Print Rate

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co*cktail Meatballs are a must for any holiday party. These delicious Cranberry Meatballs are perfectly sweet and spicy, and so delicious!

co*cktail Meatballs (Cranberry Meatballs) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (7)

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 2 pounds ground chuck
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs slightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion optional
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Cranberry Pepper Jelly Sauce

  • 10 ounces hot pepper jelly (1 jar)
  • 12 ounces chili sauce (1 jar)
  • 8 ounces jellied cranberry sauce (1 jar)
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, breadcrumbs, eggs, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated but do not overwork the mixture or the meatballs will be tough.

    2 pounds ground chuck, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons minced onion, ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • Form into 1½-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Leave at least 1-inch space between meatballs.

  • Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, then turn each meatball over. Cook another 10-15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. Remove from oven.

  • While the meatballs cook, prepare the sauce: In a large skillet set over low heat, combine all of the sauce ingredients. Stir until well blended then remove from heat until the meatballs are ready.

    10 ounces hot pepper jelly, 12 ounces chili sauce, 8 ounces jellied cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • When the meatballs are cooked, place them in the sauce in the skillet and simmer for 1 hour, or until the sauce has thickened.

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

Yield:This recipe makes about 40 (1½-inch) meatballs. A serving is 4 meatballs.

  • Take care not to over-mix the meatballs, or they will become tough.
  • Properly cooked meatballs should register 165°F internally in the center.
  • For a less sweet version, try using whole cranberry sauce instead of jellied.
  • The meatballs and sauce can simmer on high in a crockpot for the last hour.

Storage:Store co*cktail meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 441kcal (22%) Carbohydrates: 46g (15%) Protein: 19g (38%) Fat: 20g (31%) Saturated Fat: 7g (44%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 8g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 102mg (34%) Sodium: 816mg (35%) Potassium: 447mg (13%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 32g (36%) Vitamin A: 482IU (10%) Vitamin C: 9mg (11%) Calcium: 55mg (6%) Iron: 3mg (17%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

co*cktail Meatballs (Cranberry Meatballs) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

co*cktail Meatballs (Cranberry Meatballs) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

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co*cktail Meatballs (Cranberry Meatballs) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

What is co*cktail meatballs made of? ›

Ingredients
  • 1 lb. ground beef.
  • 1 lb. ground pork.
  • 1 c. breadcrumbs.
  • 1/2 c. grated onion (about 1 small onion)
  • 1/2 c. fresh parsley. finely chopped.
  • large eggs.
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt.
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper.
Dec 18, 2023

Why do people put grape jelly in meatballs? ›

To make these sweet and tangy meatballs, you'll need: Grape jelly: For a sweetness that balances the chili sauce, and to provide a glossy finish to the sauce. Chili sauce: Tomato paste, spices, and garlic give this sauce its depth. Barbecue sauce: Thickens the sauce while complementing the jelly and chili sauce.

What to eat with co*cktail meatballs? ›

Due to their addictive nature, we can't wait until parties or special occasions to make these co*cktail meatballs. Instead, we make them regularly and serve them for dinner. They're delicious served with rice or cauliflower rice and steamed or stir-fried veggies.

Why do people put flour in meatballs? ›

Filler ingredients like breadcrumbs or flour are important too because they stop the meatballs becoming dry. The breadcrumbs absorb the juices from the meat as it cooks, trapping them within the meatball. Again quantity is important here; too much and your meatball will be more like stuffing or a dumpling.

What are wedding soup meatballs made of? ›

Make the meatballs: Combine ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan, basil, and onion powder and shape into small meatballs. Make the soup: In a pot, boil broth and add escarole, orzo pasta, chopped carrot and meatballs.

What are frozen meatballs made of? ›

Frozen meat balls, at least reasonably high quality ones, are simlpy ground meat rolled into ball shapes. Nutritionally, they're identical to the meat pre-grounding. Commercially prepared and frozen meatballs are definitely processed meat. Contains mechanically separated chicken beef and pork.

What are meatballs usually made of? ›

They are usually made with a mix of ground beef and ground pork, or just with ground beef, which is mixed into a mixture of beaten eggs, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, and grated raw onions or finely chopped and fried onions. Cream is often added for more luxurious versions.

What are Hawaiian meatballs made of? ›

The meatballs are pretty standard with beef, onion, garlic, ginger, egg, and breadcrumbs so the pineapple sauce is the star of the show! The pineapple sauce is a spectacular blend of sweet, spicy, salty and tangy!

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