Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs

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Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs – Sweet, Tangy & Perfect for Parties

These Cranberry Orange Meatballs are the ultimate holiday appetizer—sticky, savory, and bursting with citrusy flavor. Made in the crockpot with just a handful of ingredients, they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s perfect for potlucks, parties, and cozy gatherings.

Introduction: A Festive Favorite with a Citrus Twist

When the holidays roll around, it’s all about recipes that bring people together—and these Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs do just that. They’re warm, sticky, sweet, and tangy with just the right amount of savory depth. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, setting up a buffet, or looking for a festive snack to nibble on while decorating the tree, this dish delivers.

The best part? It’s made entirely in the slow cooker. Just toss in your meatballs, whisk up the sauce, and let the crockpot do the work. In a few hours, you’ll have a batch of glossy, flavor-packed meatballs that taste like they came straight from a gourmet kitchen.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these meatballs so irresistible:

For the Meatballs:

  • Fully cooked beef meatballs (2 lbs)
    Use store-bought frozen meatballs for convenience, or homemade if you prefer. Either way, they’ll soak up the sauce beautifully.

For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:

  • Whole cranberry sauce (1 can)
    Adds sweetness, tartness, and a festive flair. Whole berries give texture and visual appeal.
  • Orange juice (1 cup)
    Fresh or bottled—adds brightness and balances the cranberry’s tang.
  • Brown sugar (½ cup)
    Deepens the sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
  • Soy sauce (1 tbsp)
    Adds umami and a savory contrast to the sweet ingredients.
  • Garlic powder (1 tsp)
    Adds warmth and depth.
  • Onion powder (1 tsp)
    Enhances the savory notes and rounds out the flavor.
  • Orange zest (zest of 1 orange)
    Adds a fragrant citrus punch and elevates the dish.

Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Equipment Needed

  • Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving spoon
  • Toothpicks or skewers (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the Meatballs

Place 2 lbs of fully cooked beef meatballs directly into your slow cooker.

No need to thaw if using frozen—just add them straight in.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • 1 can whole cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Zest of 1 orange

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or acidity to your liking.

Step 3: Combine & Cook

Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.

Stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly.

Cover and cook on:

  • LOW for 3 hours
  • Or HIGH for 1½–2 hours

Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even coating.

Step 4: Serve

Once the meatballs are hot and the sauce is thick and glossy, they’re ready to serve.

Transfer to a serving dish or keep warm in the crockpot.

Serve with:

  • Toothpicks for easy party snacking
  • Rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal
  • Fresh parsley or orange zest for garnish

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for:

  • Holiday parties and potlucks
  • Game day snacks
  • New Year’s Eve appetizers
  • Cozy winter dinners

Pair with:

  • Sparkling cranberry punch or mulled wine
  • A cheese board or veggie platter
  • Mini rolls for meatball sliders

Presentation Tip: Serve in a festive bowl with a sprinkle of chopped herbs or orange curls for a polished look.

Variations to Try

Want to make them your own? Try these delicious twists:

Turkey Meatballs

Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version.

Spicy Kick

Add sriracha, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the sauce.

Tropical Twist

Replace orange juice with pineapple juice and add crushed pineapple.

Fresh Flavor

Sauté fresh garlic and onion before adding to the sauce for extra depth.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the sauce and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Add to meatballs and cook when ready.
  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of juice or water.
  • Freeze: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Tip: Freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep.

Nutrition Notes (Per Serving, ~1 of 6)

  • Calories: ~380
  • Protein: ~18g
  • Carbohydrates: ~28g
  • Fat: ~22g
  • Sugar: ~18g
  • Sodium: ~600mg
  • Fiber: ~1g

These meatballs are:

  • Sweet and tangy
  • Sticky and savory
  • Perfectly portioned

– Great for Sharing

Final Thoughts

These Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs are more than just an appetizer—they’re a festive tradition waiting to happen. With their bold flavor, easy prep, and crowd-pleasing appeal, they’re sure to become a staple at your holiday gatherings.

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