Go Back
–+ servings
Ultra close-up macro food photography of piping hot glazed slow cooker cranberry cocktail meatballs in thick ruby-red sauce speared with wooden toothpick

Slow Cooker Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs (Easy 3-Ingredient Party Appetizer)

These effortless slow cooker cranberry cocktail meatballs are the ultimate sweet and tangy party appetizer. Made with tender bite-sized meatballs simmered in a rich whole-berry cranberry chili glaze with orange zest, they take just 5 minutes of prep and disappear fast at game day and holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizers & Snacks, Game Day Food, Holiday Appetizers, Party Food
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

Cocktail Meatballs & Sweet-Tangy Glaze
  • 2 lbs frozen homestyle cocktail meatballs
  • 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 bottle Heinz chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 tsp fresh orange zest
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
For Garnish & Serving
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • cocktail toothpicks

Method
 

Step-by-Step Cooking Walkthrough
  1. Whisk the Ruby Glaze: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the whole berry cranberry sauce, Heinz chili sauce, dark brown sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes until smooth, glossy, and blended.
  2. Layer in Slow Cooker: Place the frozen cocktail meatballs directly into the bottom of a 4-to-6 quart slow cooker (no thawing necessary!). Pour the prepared cranberry glaze evenly over the top.
  3. Toss to Coat: Gently stir with a silicone spoon or spatula until every meatball is richly coated in the sauce.
  4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours, until the meatballs are piping hot and tender, and the sauce is bubbly and thickened into a luscious, caramelized glaze.
  5. Garnish & Keep Warm: Switch the slow cooker setting to "WARM" for party serving. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and orange zest. Provide cocktail skewers alongside for effortless party grazing!

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 14gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 290mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.8mg

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!