Cranberry Meatballs – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer Everyone Will Love

When it comes to the holidays, it’s all about crowd-pleasing dishes that make entertaining simple yet unforgettable. These Cranberry Meatballs are the ultimate festive appetizer — tender, juicy, and coated in a glossy, sweet-tangy cranberry glaze that your guests will devour in minutes. Whether you’re planning a Christmas party, a cozy dinner with family, or just need a quick weeknight dinner idea, these meatballs deliver flavor, comfort, and convenience in every bite.

Save

The best part? You can whip them up in less than 15 minutes using your microwave — no oven or stove needed! These bite-sized wonders are proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. Serve them warm in a bowl with toothpicks for easy snacking, and don’t forget an extra side of sauce for dipping. Once you try these festive Cranberry Meatballs, they’ll become your go-to appetizer all season long.

Ingredients for the Best Cranberry Meatballs

Eggs

Eggs work as the glue that holds everything together. They help the breadcrumbs and seasonings blend perfectly with the ground meat, keeping each meatball moist and tender.

Onion Soup Mix

Instead of juggling multiple spices, a simple packet of onion soup mix adds rich, savory flavor. If you don’t have one on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing dried minced onion, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, and a touch of garlic powder.

Bread Crumbs

Breadcrumbs give the meatballs a soft and delicate texture. Seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor, but plain ones work too — just toss in a pinch of Italian herbs or dried parsley to elevate the taste.

Dried Cranberries

Chopped dried cranberries add bursts of sweet, chewy texture inside the meatballs. Combined with the tangy cranberry sauce, they create that perfect balance of savory and sweet holiday flavor.

Parsley

Fresh parsley adds color and a light herby note that brightens up the dish. If you only have dried parsley, no problem — one teaspoon of dried equals one tablespoon of fresh.

Ground Beef

Lean ground beef is ideal for this recipe. It’s hearty, flavorful, and holds up beautifully with the cranberry glaze. You can also mix in a blend of beef, pork, and veal if you prefer a richer, juicier texture.

Cranberry Sauce

The heart of the recipe! Whole-berry cranberry sauce makes the glaze luscious and slightly chunky, coating every meatball perfectly.

Ketchup

A pantry staple that adds both sweetness and tang. Ketchup helps create that irresistible balance of savory and sweet in the sauce.

Beef Broth

A small amount of beef broth thins the sauce and enhances the meaty depth of the dish. It also ensures the glaze stays smooth and glossy.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar rounds out the sauce with a warm caramel sweetness, complementing the tart cranberry flavor.

Onion

Finely chopped onion gives the sauce aroma and subtle sharpness. Yellow or white onions work best for their mild flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This little splash of vinegar adds brightness and tang, preventing the sauce from becoming overly sweet.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, chopped dried cranberries, and parsley. Add the ground beef and mix just until combined — avoid over-mixing to keep the texture light and tender. Once the mixture comes together, roll it into 1-inch meatballs.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Place about one-third of the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a sheet of waxed paper. Microwave on high for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess moisture. Repeat the process for the remaining meatballs .

Step 3: Make the Cranberry Sauce

Now for the magic — that glossy, sweet-tangy sauce that makes these Cranberry Meatballs so addictive.

In a medium microwave-safe dish (around 2 quarts), combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, finely chopped onion, and apple cider vinegar. Cover the dish and microwave on high for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring halfway through to help the sugar dissolve and flavors blend.

Once the sauce is hot and fragrant, gently stir in your cooked meatballs. Cover again and microwave for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until everything is heated through and coated evenly. The sauce should cling beautifully to each meatball — glossy, rich, and packed with festive flavor .

Save

Recipe Variations

Cook Them in an Air Fryer or Oven

Prefer to skip the microwave? You can easily bake or air fry these Cranberry Meatballs instead. For the air fryer, cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking. In the oven, bake on a parchment-lined tray at the same temperature until cooked through and golden.

Try a Barbecue Twist

For a fun shortcut, mix a can of whole-berry cranberry sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce. This combo gives the meatballs a smoky-sweet glaze with a subtle cranberry tang — perfect for game days or casual gatherings.

Add Some Heat

Want a little spice to balance the sweetness? Finely chop a jalapeño or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. It gives these party meatballs a playful, fiery kick that guests will love.

How to Store Cranberry Meatballs

These Cranberry Meatballs are ideal for making ahead of time. Once cooked and cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, simply microwave them in a covered dish until hot, stirring once to make sure the sauce coats evenly.

Freezing Instructions

You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for up to three months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the sauce until warm and glossy.

Cranberry Meatballs Tips

Can You Use Jellied Cranberry Sauce?

You can, but jellied cranberry sauce is thicker due to added pectin. To use it, just add a few extra tablespoons of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Can You Make These in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Combine all the sauce ingredients in your slow cooker, then sear the meatballs briefly in a skillet or air fryer to brown the outside. Add them to the sauce and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours. It’s an effortless way to keep them warm for parties or potlucks.

What to Serve with Cranberry Meatballs

While these bite-sized beauties shine as a party appetizer, they also make an amazing main dish. Try serving them over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or buttered egg noodles. For sides, roasted Brussels sprouts, maple-glazed carrots, or garlicky green beans pair perfectly with their sweet-savory sauce.

Print