These cranberry bourbon meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. They are tender, juicy and simmered in a sweet, tangy, and smoky cranberry bourbon sauce. Perfect for holiday parties, game days, or easy entertaining, this recipe is simple to make, full of bold flavor, my favorite way to elevate frozen meatballs.
Growing up, my mom always made bourbon meatballs around the holidays and let me tell you, nothing made me feel fancier as a kid than spearing those little meatballs with a toothpick and piling them onto a party plate. They were a staple at every gathering, and honestly, they're still one of my favorite holiday snacks.
These days, I love putting my own easy spin on the classic. Because let's be real, when you're hosting, you don't need another complicated appetizer on your plate. To make life a whole lot easier, I use good-quality frozen Swedish-style meatballs and whip up a quick, bold sauce with staple pantry ingredients like cranberry sauce, bourbon, and a few simple seasonings.
The result? A batch of meatballs that tastes homemade, feels special, and comes together with almost no effort. Whether you're serving a crowd or just need something delicious for a cozy night in, these cranberry bourbon meatballs are always a hit, and trust me, they disappear fast.
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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.
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
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 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon 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
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