Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs
Spicy cranberry jalapeño meatballs are the perfect party appetizer with tons of flavor. Just a few ingredients and they turn out sweet, spicy, tangy, and delicious!
If you are looking for a new meatball recipe that is perfect for your next holiday party, you are going to love these. Hearty ground beef meatballs in a sweet and spicy cranberry sauce.
They are going to be your new favorite way to enjoy a classic appetizer!
Not only are they are great party food, but they pair with so many things they can make the perfect side dish too.
Imagine the savory meatball with it’s sweet glaze and a slight jalapeño kick! Just like these hot honey meatballs.
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See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and their quantities.
Ingredient Notes
- Meatballs – Use frozen cooked meatballs or substitute homemade meatballs.
- Cranberry sauce – I use canned jellied cranberry sauce or you can substitute your own homemade cranberry sauce.
- Jalapeño peppers – Fresh are best. Keep the seeds and ribs when adding to the slow cooker. That’s where the heat is found!
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How To Make Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs
- Place all the sauce ingredients in a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Turn on high and let sauce ingredients melt together for 20 minutes or so.
- Add in meatballs and stir to coat.
- Cook on low 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours or until warmed through. Turn to warm setting and serve.
For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Serving Suggestions
These cocktail meatballs are one of my favorite appetizers. Just place a cup of toothpicks next to the crockpot and let everyone serve themselves.
But they also make a delicious meal. Serve them on top of some white rice, or mashed potatoes, along with a green salad and steamed green beans. The rice soaks up all the delicious sauce!
Homemade vs Frozen Meatballs
I like that this recipe uses frozen meatballs, as it makes the prep so much easier. But you can certainly make your own meatballs from scratch.
Check out my homemade meatballs recipe.
Storage
The cranberry sauce meatballs will last in the slow cooker on the low heat setting during your gathering.
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or in the microwave until warmed through.
More Crockpot Meatball Recipes
I have quite a few more meatball recipes. Check out the whole list!
Tapas Tips & Tricks
- Use pre-cooked meatballs to make prep quicker.
- I like the jellied cranberry sauce but you can use the whole berry cranberry sauce too.
- Serve with cauliflower rice, basmati rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce from your holiday meal.
- Want more veggies? Toss in some diced bell peppers.
- Want more spice? Try adding some hot pepper jelly!
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Spicy cranberry meatballs are a fun and delicious party appetizer. The sweet and savory flavors are perfect for any time of year!
Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs
Ingredients
- 48 ounces frozen meatballs
- 1 12 oz jar chili sauce
- 2 14 oz cans jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 large jalapeno peppers diced with seeds and ribs.
Instructions
- Place all the sauce ingredients in a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add in meatballs and stir to coat.
- Cook on low 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours or until warmed through.
- Turn to warm and serve.
Notes
- Use pre cooked meatballs for the slow cooker.
- I like the jellied cranberry sauce but you can use the whole berry cranberry sauce too.
- Serve with cauliflower rice, basmati rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce from your holiday meal.
- Want more veggies? Toss in some diced bell peppers.
- Want more spice? Try adding some hot pepper jelly!
Nutrition
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