Go Back
Oven-baked cranberry BBQ meatballs served on a platter

Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

A simple and delicious dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for parties and gatherings with just three ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds frozen fully cooked cocktail-size meatballs Use frozen fully cooked meatballs for the best outcome.
  • 1 18-ounce bottle BBQ sauce Experiment with different BBQ sauces for varied flavors.
  • 1 14-ounce can jellied cranberry sauce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Add the frozen meatballs to the dish in an even layer.
  4. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and jellied cranberry sauce. Microwave in 30-second bursts until the mixture is smooth.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, tossing to coat evenly.
Cooking
  1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil, stir the meatballs, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes.
  3. For extra caramelization, broil on high for 2-3 minutes.
Serving
  1. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can serve these meatballs on toothpicks as an appetizer or over rice for a simple main dish. They can also be enjoyed in a sandwich or wrap. To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. For a healthier option, use turkey meatballs.