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Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs – Sweet, Tangy & Perfectly Sticky Holiday Bites

These Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are the ultimate festive party appetizer — sweet, tangy, smoky, a little spicy, and irresistibly sticky. Juicy homemade (or store-bought) meatballs simmer in a glossy cranberry-BBQ sauce that tastes like Christmas in every bite. They're perfect for holiday parties, game days, potlucks, Christmas Eve gatherings, or anytime you want a warm, crowd-pleasing appetizer that pretty much cooks itself. The combination of tart cranberry, sweet BBQ sauce, and a kick of chili heat creates the kind of addictive flavor people can’t stop eating. Serve them right out of a slow cooker to keep them warm — or as a main dish over rice or mashed potatoes. Easy, festive, and impossible not to love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

Meatballs (Homemade Option)
  • 1 lb ground beef or beef + pork mix
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp parsley
  • or use 30–35 frozen meatballs
Spicy Cranberry BBQ Sauce
  • 1 can 14 oz whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce smoky or sweet
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce Frank’s, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne optional for extra heat
Optional Garnishes
  • Fresh parsley
  • Sliced green onions
  • Red pepper flakes
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet (if making homemade meatballs)
  • Skillet or slow cooker
  • Small saucepan
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Meatballs (if homemade)
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Mix all meatball ingredients.
  3. Shape into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake 12–15 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. Frozen meatballs can be used straight from the freezer.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Cranberry BBQ Sauce
  1. In a saucepan combine:
  2. cranberry sauce
  3. BBQ sauce
  4. honey
  5. hot sauce
  6. vinegar
  7. smoked paprika
  8. cayenne
  9. Warm over medium heat, whisking until smooth.
  10. Simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken and blend flavors.
  11. Taste and adjust heat/sweetness as desired.
Step 3: Combine Meatballs & Sauce
  1. Add cooked (or frozen) meatballs to a skillet, pot, or slow cooker.
  2. Pour sauce over the top and stir to coat.
  3. Simmer:
  4. Stovetop: 10–15 minutes
  5. Slow Cooker: 2–3 hours on LOW
  6. Meatballs will absorb flavor as they heat.
Step 4: Serve
  1. Transfer to a bowl or leave directly in the slow cooker to stay warm.
  2. Garnish with parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
  3. Serve with toothpicks for appetizers or spoon over rice or mashed potatoes for a full meal.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: 4–5 days
Freezer: 2–3 months
Reheat on:
Stovetop: medium heat with splash of water
Microwave: 60–90 seconds
Slow cooker: 1 hour on LOW

🥄 Variations

Cranberry Chipotle Meatballs – Add 1 chipotle pepper in adobo.
Glazed Turkey Meatballs – Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Bourbon Cranberry BBQ – Add 1–2 tbsp bourbon for depth.
Gochujang Kick – Replace hot sauce with gochujang.
Extra Sweet Holiday Version – Add extra honey and skip cayenne.
Cranberry Orange Meatballs – Add 1 tsp orange zest + 2 tbsp OJ.
Garlic Lovers’ Version – Add 2 extra minced garlic cloves.
Crockpot Party Style – Keep warm on LOW for 4–6 hours.
Cheesy Version – Top with shredded mozzarella before serving.
Vegetarian Option – Use plant-based meatballs.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I make these with frozen meatballs?
Yes — add frozen right to the sauce, no thawing needed.
Are they very spicy?
Medium level — easily adjusted by reducing hot sauce.
Can I serve these as a meal?
Yes — delicious over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely — reheat in the slow cooker before serving.
Can I use jellied cranberry sauce?
Yes — whole berry just adds texture.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A smoky or sweet base pairs best with cranberries.
Do I need apple cider vinegar?
It balances the sweetness — recommended.
Can I cook them in the oven?
Yes — bake meatballs in sauce at 350°F for 20 minutes.
How do I make them less sweet?
Reduce honey + add extra vinegar.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer or stir in 1–2 tsp cornstarch slurry.

🏁 Conclusion

These Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, smoky, and spicy — the ultimate holiday appetizer that looks impressive but takes almost no effort. Whether served at Christmas parties, potlucks, or as a cozy winter dinner, they deliver huge flavor with minimal work.
Sticky, saucy, festive, and totally addictive — these meatballs are guaranteed to disappear fast.