Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs are a festive, flavor-packed appetizer that brighten up any seasonal spread. With their sweet, tangy glaze and glossy finish, these meatballs bring together the comforting savoriness of classic party fare with the bright, cheerful flavors of cranberry and orange. They’re quick to prepare, easy to serve, and perfect for everything from family gatherings to holiday potlucks.
What makes these meatballs especially appealing is the balance in the glaze. Whole berry cranberry sauce melts into orange marmalade to create a sauce that’s both tart and sweet, while soy sauce and Worcestershire add a savory depth that keeps everything from becoming overly sugary. Garlic powder rounds out the flavor with gentle warmth, allowing the glaze to cling beautifully to each meatball.
Using frozen or pre-made meatballs keeps the recipe fast and stress-free, and simmering them in the sauce infuses them with all that festive flavor. As the glaze thickens, it transforms into a glossy, sticky coating that makes these meatballs irresistible on a holiday platter. A sprinkle of orange zest and fresh parsley adds brightness and color, making them as pretty as they are delicious.
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Whether served as an appetizer, part of a holiday buffet, or even over rice or mashed potatoes, these cranberry orange meatballs bring cozy seasonal flavor to every bite. They’re simple, versatile, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs frozen or homemade meatballs
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
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