Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen cooked cocktail-sized meatballs
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle sweet chili sauce (like Heinz Chili Sauce)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice or ground ginger
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the sauce ingredients in a large slow cooker (6-quart recommended) or a heavy-bottomed pot. Whisk together the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and ground allspice until the mixture is well combined.
- Step 2: Heat the sauce mixture on the stovetop over medium heat until it begins to simmer and the brown sugar is completely dissolved, stirring frequently. Alternatively, if using a slow cooker, turn it on HIGH.
- Step 3: Carefully add the frozen meatballs to the sauce mixture. Stir gently until all the meatballs are thoroughly coated with the cranberry sauce.
- Step 4: If using the slow cooker, cover and cook on the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly and thickened slightly.
- Step 5: Before serving, transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving platter or keep them warm in the slow cooker on the "Keep Warm" setting. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm with toothpicks.
Notes
- Store cooled leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze the batch for up to three months—perfect for emergency party appetizers.
- When reheating refrigerated leftovers, warm them slowly in a saucepan on low heat, adding a tablespoon of water or extra chili sauce if the cranberry glaze has thickened too much.
- While excellent served with toothpicks, these versatile meatballs can be transformed into a simple holiday meal by serving them over warm mashed potatoes or small slider buns.
- For a true cozy winter flavor, opt for the ground allspice; if you prefer a sharper, brighter zest that balances the sweetness, choose the ground ginger instead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American