Easy Party Meatballs
Seems everyone has a version of some sort of appetizer, party meatballs. When I first started making this recipe, I made the meatballs from scratch. They were delicious, but added complexity, taking away from how easy the rest of this dish is. A few years ago, I found a great Italian style frozen meatball that tastes delicious, now making this appetizer super fast and easy to make. They are great for holiday parties or anytime for a potluck.
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The meatballs can absolutely be made from scratch, but with so many delicious options out there, frozen meatballs make this appetizer so easy to make.
Cook in the oven according to the package directions.
While the meatballs are in the oven, use a single pot to make the sauce. Just 4 ingredients and it’s done.
We are still loving our new Hestan NanoBond® cookware. As we’ve used it more and more we are also seeing how scratch resistant it is as well is how easily it cleans. Even with a sticky sauce!
First, add the cranberry sauce to the pan over medium-low heat.
Add the Chili Sauce
Then add the brown sugar and lemon. Stir well until the cranberry sauce fully melts and the sugar is incorporated.
It smells so good. Let simmer over low heat while the meatballs finish cooking in the oven.
Turn the meatballs once while baking in the oven.
Once they are finished baking, gently spoon into the sauce. Place in a warm bowl and top with a bit of chopped green onion, if desired.
These meatballs also keep warm on a buffet table in a small crockpot or fondue pot, set to low. I’ve doubled this recipe as well for larger parties.
On this night, near the holidays, we had a few friends over. We served these meatballs with our Hot Crab Dip found HERE and caprese sticks.
Easy Party Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 package (about 50) Frozen Italian Style Meatballs
- 1 can jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 12 oz bottle chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Sliced green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Bake the meatballs in the oven in a shallow baking pan, according to the package directions. They usually cook about 25 minutes.
- In a medium to large saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and cranberry sauce is melted.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce. Carefully stir until the meatballs are completely coated in sauce. Serve in a warm bowl or small crockpot, topped with green onion. Enjoy!
