Festive Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Cranberry Meatballs, Anyone?

Ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge, desperately seeking an easy appetizer? You know, something beyond the usual cheese and crackers? Then these slow cooker cranberry meatballs are your answer! Sweet, tangy, and seriously addictive, they’re about to become your new party staple.

Brief Overview: From Scandinavia to Your Crock Pot

Believe it or not, the whole idea of pairing sweet and savory flavors, especially with meatballs, has roots in Scandinavian cuisine.

These meatballs? They're easy as pie, taking just a few minutes to prep and then a few hours in the slow cooker.

This recipe makes about 24 meatballs perfect for 6-8 folks as an appetizer, or 4 if you're serving them as a main course.

Main Benefits: Beyond Delicious

Honestly, one of the best things about this recipe is how stress free it is. Throw everything in the crockpot meatballs and let it work its magic.

Plus, cranberries are packed with antioxidants, so you can feel good about serving these holiday appetizers . These cranberry meatballs are the perfect easy snack for your festive gatherings!

Get Ready for Amazing Crockpot Meatballs

So, what makes these cranberry sauce meatballs special? I reckon it's the way the tangy cranberry sauce complements the savory meatballs.

It's a proper flavor explosion! When I made these the first time, I added a pinch of red pepper flakes.

This gave them a slight kick! Give it a go. Now, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up these easy appetizer recipes .

Alright, ready to dive into the nitty gritty? Let's talk about what you actually need to make these Festive Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs .

This is where we transform a list into a delicious reality.

Ingredients & Equipment

First things first, let's gather our troops. We're making cranberry meatballs , proper holiday appetizers . And remember, this ain't rocket science. It's all about comfort food.

Main Ingredients: The Starters

Okay, listen up! Here’s the lowdown on what you'll need for these tasty morsels.

• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) . Look for an 80/20 blend for maximum flavor, trust me on this one. Anything leaner, and they might dry out.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (60g) . These give the meatballs a lovely light texture.

• Finely Chopped Onion: ¼ cup (30g) . Don't skimp on chopping it finely. Big chunks are a no-no.

• Large Egg: 1 , lightly beaten. This binds everything together nicely.

• Milk: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Helps keep the meatballs moist. No one wants dry meatballs, right?

• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds a lovely savory depth.

• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . Because everything tastes better with garlic.

• Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . It complements the fresh onion perfectly.

• Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) . To bring out all the flavors.

• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) . Freshly ground is always best if you can.

• Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) canola or olive oil. This is just for browning the meatballs.

• Cranberry Sauce (whole berry): 1 (14-ounce/397g) can . Not the jellied stuff, alright?

• Chili Sauce: ½ cup (120ml) . This adds a little kick and some sweetness.

• Ketchup: ¼ cup (60ml) . Adds a touch of tanginess.

• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) packed. For extra sweetness.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . This balances the sweetness.

• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds a bit of zing.

• Ground Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) . A subtle warming spice.

• Optional: Orange juice 1/4 cup , some people like it, some don't!

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs

So, what about seasoning cranberry sauce meatballs ? Honestly, these easy appetizer recipes practically season themselves! The cranberry sauce does a lot of the heavy lifting.

Cinnamon complements the cranberry flavor beautifully. Dijon mustard gives it a little oomph . If you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful surprise.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

No need for fancy gadgets here! You'll need:

• Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing the meatballs, duh.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key, folks.
• Slow Cooker (4-quart or larger) : This is the star of the show.
• Skillet: For browning the meatballs. Optional, but highly recommended.

Listen, folks, that's pretty much it. Gather these bits and bobs, and you're golden. Next, we'll get to the nitty gritty of how to actually make these crockpot meatballs that are perfect for Christmas appetizers .

Get ready for a right treat.

Get Your Crock On: Festive Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

Fancy throwing a party? Or just feeling a bit festive? These slow cooker cranberry meatballs are the answer. Honestly, they're dead easy and always a hit.

A great holiday appetizer, these little morsels offer a sweet and tangy taste sensation that everyone loves. I'm telling you, it's like a proper Christmas party in your mouth.

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized

Alright, first things first. Essential mise en place is the name of the game here. It's all about getting your ducks in a row.

Chop your onion, get your ingredients measured, and you're halfway there! This easy appetizer recipes require minimum effort and a maximal taste reward.

Don't forget to grab that slow cooker , it's about to become your best mate.

• Top Tip : Optional 30 mins chilling of the meatballs.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs: The Easy Peasy Process

1. Meatball Mix: Gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Don't overmix, or they'll be tough!
2. Roll 'Em Up: Form the mixture into 1 inch meatballs .
3. Brown Time (Optional): Heat oil in a skillet. Brown the meatballs in batches for extra flavor.
4. Sauce It Up: Whisk together cranberry sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon in a bowl.
5. Crock Pot Magic: Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over them, making sure they're nicely coated.
6. Slow Cook Away: Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . The meatballs should be cooked and the sauce should have thickened.
7. Serve and Enjoy : Garnish with parsley or green onions, if you fancy.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Meatballs

• Don't overmix the meatballs! Seriously, it's a game changer.
• Cranberry sauce meatballs a great holiday appetizer.
• If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes and let it reduce slightly. Or, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water and whisk it in during the last 15 minutes.

So there you have it! Quick, easy and a great option for Christmas appetizers . Perfect if you're having a holiday appetizers party.

It's a winner for party meatballs or even just for a cosy night in. Enjoy, eh? You can even use ground turkey instead of beef for a healthier version.

Oh my gosh, can you believe how simple it is?! I swear this is my number one meatball recipe , and it's bound to be yours too!

Recipe Notes For Your Next Batch of Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

Alright, you've got the recipe for these brilliant slow cooker cranberry meatballs . Now, let's chat about a few things that'll make them extra special.

I'm talking about turning good into "Oh my gosh, these are incredible!". Because honestly? That's the goal here. These Crockpot meatballs will be a hit, trust me!

Serving Up Deliciousness: Plating and More

Okay, presentation matters! These meatballs with cranberry sauce look fantastic in a simple serving dish. But, you can totally elevate them.

Think about a nice, shallow bowl with some chopped parsley sprinkled on top. Or even better, little individual plates with a couple of meatballs on each and a drizzle of extra sauce.

Classy, innit?

For sides, something to soak up that lovely sauce is key. Mashed potatoes are a classic. But roasted Brussels sprouts would be amazing, especially with a sprinkle of balsamic glaze.

As for drinks? A sparkling cranberry juice would be perfect. Or, you know, maybe a cheeky glass of prosecco. It's a holiday, after all!

Storing and Reheating Like a Pro

Leftover cranberry meatballs ? Lucky you! These keep beautifully. Once they are cooled, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge.

They will be good for up to 3-4 days. Need longer storage? Freezing is your friend. Just put them in a freezer safe bag or container.

They will be good for about 2-3 months.

To reheat, you've got a few options. You can simmer them gently on the stovetop. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quick fix.

Or, pop them back in the slow cooker appetizers on low for an hour or two. Just add a splash of water or cranberry juice if the sauce seems too thick.

Making it Your Own: Variations and Swaps

Want to mix things up? Of course, you do! For a gluten-free version, just swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones.

Easy peasy. Another cool move? Try using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter meatball recipe . It's still delicious!

Feeling festive? Add a bit of orange zest to the cranberry sauce meatballs for extra zing. Or, if you are feeling brave, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

It's your kitchen, so go wild!.

Little Bit About Nutrition Basics

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but it's good to know what you're eating, right? These meatballs give you a good dose of protein from the meat.

You also get some carbs from the breadcrumbs and sauce. Of course, the cranberry sauce has some sugar. But hey, it's a treat! Remember, everything in moderation.

Cranberries themselves are packed with antioxidants. So, you're getting a bit of a health boost too. Though, realistically, we are mostly here for the delicious holiday appetizers !

So, there you have it! A few extra tips and tricks to make these slow cooker cranberry meatballs absolutely banging.

Give them a go, get creative, and most importantly, have fun with it! You got this!