Crockpot Holiday Appetizer Recipes
Slow Cooker Meatballs in Cranberry BBQ Sauce
Gather, celebrate, and indulge. It’s the holiday season. And with that comes all the associated stress, especially if you are the one tasked with feeding a crowd. The ultimate holiday hero comes in the form of **Slow Cooker Meatballs in Cranberry BBQ Sauce**. Easy, hands-off, and looking like a pro, it’s sure to be an amazing appetizer to serve to your guests.
Why This Recipe Is a Holiday Must-Have
These BBQ meatballs combine the sweetness of cranberries with the smoke richness of BBQ sauce and make them irresistible. And they are quite easy to prepare. When you slow cook, you let the appliance do the hard work while focusing on hosting, decorating, or just sipping a glass of eggnog. Be certain to serve these meatballs at a family gathering or holiday potluck, so they’re sure to fly off the plate. The same can be said at your New Year’s Eve party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of this recipe is a short and simple ingredient list. Here’s what you need:
1 bag (24 oz) frozen meatballs: you can use beef, turkey or plant-based meatballs
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
These pantry-friendly ingredients are easy to find and pack a powerful punch of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until smooth and well blended. If your cranberry sauce is too thick, pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds to loosen it up.
2. Add to the Slow Cooker
Place the frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker. No need to thaw them beforehand—that’s the beauty of this recipe! Cover the meatballs with the cranberry BBQ sauce mixture. Stir to make sure each meatball is evenly coated.
3. Set It and Forget It
Cover the slow cooker and simmer for 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high. Mix in the meatballs halfway during the cooking time to ensure all the parts are heated equally and coated well.
Serve Warm
Once the meatballs are hot throughout and the sauce is foamy and caramelized, it’s ready to be served! Move them over to a fun serving bowl or keep them warm right in the slow cooker. Provide toothpicks nearby for easy grabbing.
1. Select the Correct Meatballs: Any meatballs can be used, but you can save time using pre-cooked frozen meatballs. For a healthier alternative, you can use turkey or chicken meatballs.
2. Add Some Flavor: Use a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of a kick, or stir in a splash of orange juice for an extra hint of citrus.
3. Prep ahead. These can be made a day early; stash ’em in the fridge overnight. Reheat them throughout the cooking period in your slow cooker.
Everybody-Lovese Them Meatballs End
This is an amazingly versatile recipe. From an elegant dinner party to a cozy game night, a fun holiday brunch, or an impromptu winter evening meal, slow cooker meatballs make it perfect. The sweet and savory and tangy balance is attractive to everyone-whether the child or an adult-and, of course, as they’re warm, this makes it suitable for the colder winter months.
This holiday season, save yourself time and stress without sacrificing flavor. Slow Cooker Meatballs in Cranberry BBQ Sauce are an easy appetizer to make, as easy to make as they are to devour. The minimal ingredients, hands-off cooking process, and maximum flavor in this recipe mean it’s destined to be a staple at your holiday table year after year.
So, dust off the slow cooker and get ready for your guests with this scrumptious, irresistible dish – just like my favorite BBQ sauce. Happy holidays and happy cooking!
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