Description
Introducing the Festive Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs—a delightful twist on a traditional favorite! Ideal for holiday gatherings, this recipe blends the sweet tang of cranberries with zesty chili sauce, culminating in a uniquely flavorful appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a festive party, these meatballs are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 (2 lb) bag of frozen pre-cooked turkey meatballs
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle of chili sauce
- 1 (14 ounce) can of jellied cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons of orange juice
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce
Place the jellied cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 45-second intervals, stirring between each, until the sauce is just melted.
2. Mix the Ingredients
Whisk the melted cranberry sauce with the chili sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar until the mixture is mostly smooth.
3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Place the frozen meatballs in a slow cooker. Pour the previously prepared sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Cook
Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook the meatballs for 4 hours, until they are heated through and have absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
5. Serve
Serve the cranberry-glazed meatballs hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time
The recipe serves approximately 8-10 people as an appetizer. Preparation time is around 10 minutes, and the cooking time is 4 hours on a low setting in a slow cooker.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These meatballs freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in a microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot. Alternatively, reheat them on the stove over medium heat in a saucepan until warmed through.
Conclusion
The Festive Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs combine the convenience of pre-cooked meatballs with the delightful flavors of cranberry, chili sauce, and a hint of orange, creating a delicious and easy appetizer perfect for any holiday event. This recipe not only saves time but also delivers on taste, making it a must-try dish for this holiday season. Enjoy the combination of sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite!
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Festive Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
Introducing the Festive Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs—a delightful twist on a traditional favorite! Ideal for holiday gatherings, this recipe blends the sweet tang of cranberries with zesty chili sauce, culminating in a uniquely flavorful appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a festive party, these meatballs are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 (2 lb) bag of frozen pre-cooked turkey meatballs
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle of chili sauce
- 1 (14 ounce) can of jellied cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons of orange juice
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: Place the jellied cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 45-second intervals, stirring between each, until the sauce is just melted.
- Mix the Ingredients: Whisk the melted cranberry sauce with the chili sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar until the mixture is mostly smooth.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Place the frozen meatballs in a slow cooker. Pour the previously prepared sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook the meatballs for 4 hours, until they are heated through and have absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry-glazed meatballs hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours