Name: Cranberry Bourbon Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs frozen homestyle meatballs; 1 (14 oz) can jellied cranberry sauce; 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (preferably hickory or smoky flavored); 1/4 cup bourbon; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference); Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Bourbon Meatballs Recipe

It takes a beloved party classic (bourbon meatballs) and elevates it with the festive flavor of cranberry sauce — giving you sweetness, tang, and a touch of indulgence.
It uses frozen Swedish‑style meatballs as a shortcut so you can get delicious food out fast, without compromising on taste.
The sauce is built from pantry staples (ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire, chili garlic sauce) plus bourbon and cranberry jam for a rich, balanced finish.
It works great for entertaining — whether you’re making an easy appetizer or want something special but stress‑free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Swedish‑style frozen meatballs (or make your own if preferred)
Ketchup
Bourbon (use a drinkable quality, doesn’t need to be super expensive)
Cranberry sauce or jam (whole berry recommended, rather than canned smooth jellied type)
Brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
Soy sauce
Garlic chili sauce

Directions

Combine the ketchup, bourbon, cranberry sauce/jam, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and garlic chili sauce in a large Dutch oven or heavy‑bottomed pot.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Once simmering (about 5 minutes), add the frozen meatballs. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 40 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.
Serve hot, ideally with toothpicks or small skewers for easy entertaining.

Slow Cooker Method:
Combine all the sauce ingredients and meatballs in the slow cooker, then cook on low for about 4 hours. Once done, keep on warm until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~45 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes
Servings: Using 1–2 bags (26 oz each) of frozen Swedish meatballs yields approximately 6–8 appetizer servings.

Variations

Make your own meatballs: Use homemade beef, pork, or turkey meatballs for a more hands-on version.
Adjust sweetness/tang: For a tangier sauce, choose a tart cranberry jam or add lemon juice. For added sweetness, increase brown sugar slightly.
Spicy version: Increase garlic chili sauce or add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Bourbon substitute: Use apple cider or unsweetened cranberry juice plus a splash of vanilla extract for an alcohol-free version.
Slow-roast variant: After simmering, bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes to caramelize the sauce slightly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Microwave reheating is fine — stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

What type of meatballs should I use?

Frozen Swedish-style meatballs are perfect for ease, but homemade beef, turkey, or pork meatballs also work well.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them in advance and refrigerate or freeze them. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Can I skip the bourbon?

Yes. Substitute with cranberry juice or apple cider and add a splash of vanilla extract for depth without alcohol.

Is it okay to use the canned smooth cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving?

It will work in a pinch, but for best texture and flavor, use whole berry cranberry sauce or jam.

Can I make this vegan or vegetarian?

Yes. Use plant-based meatballs and check that your sauce ingredients are vegan-friendly.

How spicy are these meatballs?

They’re mildly spicy. You can reduce or omit the garlic chili sauce for a milder version or add more for a spicier kick.

Will the sauce thicken as it cooks?

Yes, simmering for about 40 minutes helps it reduce and thicken. If needed, add a cornstarch slurry to help thicken faster.

Can I serve these as a main dish rather than an appetizer?

Definitely. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a hearty, flavorful meal.

How many meatballs does the recipe make?

With 1–2 bags of 26 oz frozen meatballs, you’ll get enough for 6–8 appetizer portions or 4–5 main dish servings.

Can I use a different type of jam if I don’t have cranberry?

Yes. Raspberry or cherry jam could substitute in a pinch, but the flavor will change. Cranberry delivers the best holiday-style balance.

Conclusion

These cranberry bourbon meatballs strike the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and smoky. Whether you’re hosting a party or prepping a make-ahead holiday dish, this recipe is fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. With flexible ingredients and easy prep, it’s a must-try for any occasion.