Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly savory, Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs bring a bold twist to classic comfort food.
This vibrant recipe pairs tart cranberries with the zesty kick of jalapeños, creating a mouthwatering glaze that clings to tender, juicy meatballs.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or game-day snacks, these meatballs strike a delicious balance between festive and fiery.
Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, this crowd-pleaser adds a flavorful punch that keeps everyone coming back for more.
How To Make Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs?
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Yield: 6 servings (approximately 24 meatballs)
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet or slow cooker
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or fine grater
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen meatballs (pork, turkey, or beef)
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Cranberry Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, jalapeños, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, cumin, and salt. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
2. Blend (Optional)
For a smoother consistency, you can carefully blend the sauce using an immersion blender or a regular blender. This step is optional—chunky or smooth, both are delicious.
3. Cook the Meatballs
While the sauce prepares, bake or pan-fry the frozen meatballs according to package instructions until heated through.
4. Combine & Simmer
Add the cooked meatballs to the cranberry-jalapeño sauce. Stir gently to coat and let simmer on low for another 10 minutes.
5. Serve & Garnish
Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve warm as a festive appetizer or main dish.
Nutrition Facts Of Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 590mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 14g
Serving Suggestions
◇ Appetizer Platter: Serve with toothpicks on a tray alongside cheese cubes and crackers.
◇ Over Rice: Spoon over jasmine or basmati rice for a sweet and spicy main dish.
◇ Party Sliders: Tuck into mini buns with a dollop of cream cheese for tasty sliders.
◇ With Veggies: Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for a balanced meal.
◇ Skewer Style: Alternate meatballs with pineapple chunks on skewers for a tropical twist.
Tips & Variations
✤ Adjust the Heat: Use more or fewer jalapeños to control the spice level.
✤ Use Fresh or Frozen Meatballs: Homemade or store-bought both work great.
✤ Add a Creamy Touch: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or serve with a creamy dip.
✤ Make It in a Slow Cooker: Keep warm and flavorful for parties and potlucks.
✤ Try Different Sauces: Swap cranberry for raspberry or add BBQ for a smoky twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, frozen meatballs work well and save time—just heat them thoroughly.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Sure! Prepare and refrigerate or freeze, then reheat when ready.
What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?
Canned whole berry or homemade cranberry sauce both work great.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, both are great lean alternatives to beef or pork.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free meatballs and check your sauce ingredients for gluten.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Conclusion
Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs are the perfect blend of bold flavors and festive flair. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or craving a sweet-and-spicy snack, this dish delivers on taste and simplicity. Serve them up and watch these irresistible bites disappear.
Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet or slow cooker
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or fine grater
Ingredients
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen meatballs (pork, turkey, or beef)
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 –2 jalapeños finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- ½ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, jalapeños, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, cumin, and salt. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
- For a smoother consistency, you can carefully blend the sauce using an immersion blender or a regular blender. This step is optional—chunky or smooth, both are delicious.
- While the sauce prepares, bake or pan-fry the frozen meatballs according to package instructions until heated through.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the cranberry-jalapeño sauce. Stir gently to coat and let simmer on low for another 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve warm as a festive appetizer or main dish.
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.