Can I use frozen meatballs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen meatballs work just as well in this recipe. You can add them straight to your slow cooker without thawing. Simply extend the cooking time by about 20 minutes to allow the sauce to heat evenly and coat the meatballs perfectly.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Definitely. These meatballs are excellent for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining. You can cook them the day before, store them in the refrigerator, and then reheat them on LOW in your slow cooker for about an hour before serving. This approach keeps them tender and flavorful while saving you valuable cooking time on the day of your event.

How long will they last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, these meatballs will stay fresh for up to three days. If you have leftovers, you can also freeze them for up to two months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in your crockpot before serving.

Can I substitute the beef meatballs with turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version. The cranberry-orange glaze complements all protein types beautifully. You can even make homemade meatballs with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and egg if you prefer a from-scratch approach.

What can I serve with cranberry orange meatballs?

They pair wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes. Serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or buttered noodles for a hearty meal. If you want to go all out for a festive dinner, pair them with Slow Cooker Jambalaya or a comforting Pumpkin Lentil Soup .

Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs — The Sweet and Tangy Party Hit

Description

These Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a glossy sweet-tangy sauce made with cranberry, orange juice, and brown sugar. Perfect for any holiday celebration or party appetizer, this recipe delivers festive flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

2 lbs fully cooked beef meatballs or turkey

1 can whole cranberry sauce

1 cup orange juice

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. Add the fully cooked meatballs directly into your crockpot.

2. In a bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and orange zest until smooth.

3. Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, stirring to coat each one evenly.

4. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 3 hours, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the meatballs.

5. Stir before serving to evenly coat the glaze.

6. Garnish with orange zest or parsley before serving warm.

Notes

Use whole cranberry sauce instead of jellied for a more textured glaze.

Fresh-squeezed orange juice gives the sauce brighter flavor.

Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the glaze balanced without too much salt.

For a tangier version, add a splash of lemon juice or Dijon mustard.

Keep the meatballs warm in the slow cooker for serving at parties.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Appetizer, Holiday Recipe
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 290
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs, crockpot appetizer, sweet and tangy meatballs, slow cooker holiday recipe