Easy Cocktail Meatballs: Sweet and Spicy Holiday Party Appetizer
Cocktail Meatballs: Irresistible Holiday Party Appetizer
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Cocktail meatballs are the ultimate holiday party appetizer that everyone will love. These tender beef meatballs are slow-cooked in a luscious blend of cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and chili sauce to create a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Ingredients for Cocktail Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Cook These Party-Ready Cocktail Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing each on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are just cooked through and browned on the edges.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce: in a medium saucepan, stir together cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and chili sauce over medium heat.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce, gently tossing to coat each one in the sweet-and-spicy glaze.
- Cover and simmer on low for an additional 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy party snacking.
Tips for Perfect Cocktail Meatballs
- Make ahead: Bake the meatballs a day early and refrigerate. Reheat in sauce before your event.
- Slow-cooker option: Combine baked meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker on low for 2 hours.
- Texture twist: Add 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or finely chopped onions to the beef for extra moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 193 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 15 g | Sugar: 10 g | Fiber: 1 g
Why You’ll Love This Easy Appetizer
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, game-day gathering, or casual get-together, these cocktail meatballs are a crowd-pleasing snack that’s both effortless and delicious. Whip up these cocktail meatballs for your next gathering and watch them disappear in minutes.
Cocktail Meatballs: Irresistible Holiday Party Appetizer
These cocktail meatballs are tasty, slow-cooked beef meatballs simmered in cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and chili sauce, perfect for holiday parties.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing each on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are just cooked through and browned on the edges.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce: in a medium saucepan, stir together cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and chili sauce over medium heat.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce, gently tossing to coat each one in the sweet-and-spicy glaze.
- Cover and simmer on low for an additional 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy party snacking.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes
