Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly savory, BBQ Meatballs with Cranberry offer a delicious twist on a classic party favorite.
This recipe blends smoky barbecue sauce with tart cranberry for a rich, mouthwatering glaze that coats tender, juicy meatballs.
Perfect as a holiday appetizer or an easy weeknight dish, it strikes the ideal balance between comfort and flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving something bold and satisfying, these meatballs deliver crowd-pleasing taste with minimal effort.
How To Make BBQ Meatballs With Cranberry?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cook Times: 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Yields: Approximately 12 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen cooked meatballs (pork, turkey, or beef)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 1 bottle BBQ sauce (choose your favorite variety)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Sauté garlic
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30–60 seconds).
2. Make the sauce
Stir in ketchup, cranberry sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let simmer 5–10 minutes to combine flavors.
3. Blend in the BBQ
Pour in the bottle of BBQ sauce and stir until everything is well combined. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust with salt if needed.
4. Add meatballs
Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
5. Garnish
Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutritious Facts Of BBQ Meatballs With Cranberry?
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
Serving Suggestions
❖ Party Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks on a platter for easy snacking.
❖ Main Dish: Pair with mashed potatoes or rice and a side of steamed vegetables.
❖ Slider Style: Tuck into mini buns with coleslaw for tasty sliders.
❖ Holiday Spread: Add to your festive buffet alongside cheese boards and dips.
❖ Slow Cooker Buffet: Keep warm in a slow cooker during gatherings for self-serve ease.
Tips & Variations
✦ Use Frozen or Homemade: Save time with frozen meatballs or make your own for extra flavor.
✦ Add a Kick: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for heat.
✦ Switch the Sauce: Try using chipotle BBQ or a smoky variety for a twist.
✦ Make it Sweeter: Mix in a bit of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter glaze.
✦ Go Vegetarian: Use plant-based meatballs and a vegan BBQ sauce.
Meatballs can be baked, pan-fried, or slow-cooked. Slow cooking in cranberry BBQ sauce allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cranberry BBQ Meatballs?
A sweet and tangy appetizer made with meatballs, cranberry sauce, and BBQ sauce.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, frozen pre-cooked meatballs work great and save time.
Do I need to cook the meatballs before mixing?
If using raw meatballs, cook them first. Frozen pre-cooked ones can be heated with the sauce.
Can I make them in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine everything in a slow cooker on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1–2 hours.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Sure! They’re a hit at potlucks and holiday gatherings.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
BBQ Meatballs with Cranberry is a flavorful fusion of sweet, smoky, and tangy goodness that’s sure to impress.
Whether served at parties or family dinners, they bring warmth and bold taste to any table. Simple to make and impossible to resist, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
BBQ Meatballs With Cranberry
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen cooked meatballs (pork, turkey, or beef)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 1 bottle BBQ sauce choose your favorite variety
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30–60 seconds).
- Stir in ketchup, cranberry sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let simmer 5–10 minutes to combine flavors.
- Pour in the bottle of BBQ sauce and stir until everything is well combined. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust with salt if needed.
- Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.