These Cranberry Bourbon Meatballs are simple to make and packed with flavor, a perfect holiday snack or appetizer!

cranberry bourbon meatballs christmas appetizer

The perfect holiday party food!

Growing up my mom always used to make bourbon meatballs around the holidays which we would devour on little tooth picks feeling oh so fancy.

To make this dish even easier (which, let's face it is exactly what you need in a holiday appetizer) I use store-bought, frozen Swedish style meatballs and a sauce full of staple pantry ingredients.

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Equipment needed for Cranberry Bourbon Meatballs

You will need either a large Dutch Oven or other heavy pot. OR you can use a slow cooker.

I love my Le Creuset Dutch Oven and probably use it more than any other kitchen item!

Ingredients:

Swedish style frozen meatballs: You can also make your own meatballs but I think these are a great shortcut for getting delicious food out fast.
Ketchup
Bourbon: Use something you would drink. Doesn't need to be super expensive but quality does make a difference.
Cranberry Sauce or Jam, Whole Berry: I would not recommend using the cranberry sauce (aka jello) that comes in a can around Thanksgiving. Try to find cranberry jam or cranberry sauce that still has the whole berry. If you're in the Dallas/Fort Worth area I highly recommend checking out the Cranberry Sauce from Preserve International.
Worcestershire Sauce
Soy Sauce
Chili Garlic Sauce: I like Huy Fong Chili Garlic Sauce.

cranberry bourbon meatballs by the jam jar kitchen

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

You most certainly can!

To use a slow cooker or crock pot just combine the sauce ingredients, add meatballs and cook on low for about 4 hours until meatballs are fully heated through.

You can also leave them in the slow cooker on warm setting to serve.

Check out more Appetizer and Lite Bite Recipes from The Jam Jar Kitchen!

Made this recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Recipe

Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail Meatballs

Savory meatballs simmered in a bourbon cranberry sauce until tender. Great for a holiday appetizer!

4.89 from 36 votes

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 45

Total Time 50

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Equipment

Dutch oven or heavy bottom pot with lid (or slow cooker)

Ingredients

1 cup ketchup
1 cup Bourbon I recommend Clyde May's or Four Roses, but your preferred bourbon will work
1 cup cranberry sauce or jam, whole berry I recommend Preserve International
½ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic chile sauce
1-2 26 oz bags Swedish style frozen meatballs

Instructions

Combine the first 7 ingredients in a dutch oven and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Simmer for about 5 minutes and then add the meatballs. Cover with a lid and then simmer on low for about 40 minutes until meatballs are heated through.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

If you would prefer to make this recipe in a slow cooker, simply combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 hours until meatballs are cooked through.

Keyword Appetizer, Bourbon, Christmas, Cranberry, Easy, Holiday, Meatballs, Thanksgiving

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