Cocktail Meatballs (cranberry Meatballs)

By Becky Hardin

Updated May 26, 2025

Cocktail meatballs in a skillet with the text the best cocktail meatballs. - 3

Cocktail meatballs in a skillet with the text the best cocktail meatballs. - 4

Cocktail Meatballs are the best holiday appetizer! These sweet and spicy cranberry meatballs are cooked in a cranberry pepper jelly sauce, which gives them the perfect flavor kick. They are so delicious and make the best Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve appetizer!

Cocktail meatballs in a pot with a wooden spoon. - 5

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5-Star Review

“I have tried many different meatball recipes over the years. I made these last night and they are now my family’s favorite.” -Sherry

Cocktail Meatball Recipe

I’ve always loved pepper jelly, and it adds just enough zip to these cranberry meatballs. They don’t have a strong cranberry taste, but it’s just the right amount. Just enough spice and sweetness combination.

You can mix up the flavor of these meatballs by using different flavors of jelly. I like the spicy element hot pepper jelly adds to the sauce, but classic grape jelly also works well, and so does apricot. The chili sauce will still provide some heat, making these meatballs a great balance of sweet and spicy.

Tips for Beginners

Properly cooked meatballs should register 165°F internally in the center.
For a less sweet version, try using whole cranberry sauce instead of jellied.
The meatballs and sauce can simmer on high in a crockpot for the last hour.

Ingredients1x2x3x

For the Meatballs

▢ 2 pounds ground chuck
▢ 1 cup breadcrumbs
▢ 2 large eggs slightly beaten
▢ 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
▢ 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
▢ 2 tablespoons minced onion optional
▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Cranberry Pepper Jelly Sauce

▢ 10 ounces hot pepper jelly (1 jar)
▢ 12 ounces chili sauce (1 jar)
▢ 8 ounces jellied cranberry sauce (1 jar)
▢ 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)

Video

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, breadcrumbs, eggs, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated but do not overwork the mixture or the meatballs will be tough. 2 pounds ground chuck, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons minced onion, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Form into 1½-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Leave at least 1-inch space between meatballs.
Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, then turn each meatball over. Cook another 10-15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. Remove from oven.
While the meatballs cook, prepare the sauce: In a large skillet set over low heat, combine all of the sauce ingredients. Stir until well blended then remove from heat until the meatballs are ready. 10 ounces hot pepper jelly, 12 ounces chili sauce, 8 ounces jellied cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
When the meatballs are cooked, place them in the sauce in the skillet and simmer for 1 hour, or until the sauce has thickened.

Equipment

Baking Sheet

Becky’s Tips

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

How to Make Cocktail Meatballs Step by Step

Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet : Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

All the ingredients to make cocktail meatballs in a bowl. - 6

Combine all the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds ground chuck, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons minced onion, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated, but do not overwork the mixture or the meatballs will be tough.

Meatballs on a parchment lined baking sheet. - 7

Shape the meatballs: Form into 1½-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Leave at least 1-inch space between meatballs.

Cook the meatballs: Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, then turn each meatball over. Cook another 10-15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. Remove from oven.

Preparing the sauce for the meatballs. - 8

Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs cook, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet set over low heat, combine 10 ounces of hot pepper jelly, 12 ounces chili sauce, 8 ounces jellied cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir until well blended, then remove from the heat until the meatballs are ready.

Simmering the meatballs in the sauce. - 9

Simmer the meatballs in the sauce: When the meatballs are cooked, place them in the sauce in the skillet and simmer for 1 hour, or until the sauce has thickened.

Close up of cocktail meatballs in a skillet with a wooden spoon. - 10

Transfer and serve: Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and enjoy.

How to Store

Store leftover cocktail meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan set over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Freeze cocktail meatballs in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cranberry meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing and extra sauce for dipping. Or, serve them as a meal over a bed of simple basmati rice or creamy mashed potatoes .

more appetizer meatball recipes

Sheet Pan Party Meatballs

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs

Cocktail Meatballs Recipe (Cranberry Meatballs)

Equipment

Baking Sheet