Festive Slow Cooker Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs

There’s something about walking into a holiday party and catching the scent of something warm, sweet, and savory simmering away. For me, that smell is slow cooker cranberry-glazed meatballs. They’re the kind of appetizer that makes people gather around the table and linger just a little longer.

What I love most is how foolproof they are. You don’t need fancy ingredients—just ground beef or turkey, cranberry jelly, a splash of orange juice, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Toss it all in the slow cooker, and within an hour or two, you’ve got tender meatballs coated in a glossy, tangy-sweet glaze that tastes like Christmas in a bite.

And here’s the kicker: once they’re done, you just flip the slow cooker to “warm,” set out toothpicks, and let your guests help themselves. No fuss, no reheating, and no stressing about timing while you’re juggling a dozen other holiday tasks. These are always the first thing to vanish at my gatherings, and honestly, I take that as the highest praise.

The Easiest Holiday Appetizer You’ll Ever Make

You know those recipes that look complicated but take almost no effort? This is one of them. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in minutes and let the slow cooker do the work.

A Sweet and Tangy Glaze Guests Can’t Resist

The cranberry jelly melts down into a sticky, festive sauce that clings to every bite. Add orange juice for brightness and balsamic for depth, and suddenly you’ve got layers of flavor that taste way fancier than they are.

Make-Ahead and Keep-Warm Friendly

The best part about slow cooker appetizers is how they stay warm all night long. You don’t have to reheat or rush back and forth to the kitchen. Just set it and forget it, and your guests can serve themselves.

Perfect for Kids and Adults Alike

I thought kids wouldn’t touch cranberry, but I was so wrong. The sweetness balances the tang, and even picky eaters keep coming back for more. Adults love them because they’re nostalgic, yet just different enough to feel festive.

Budget-Friendly But Party-Perfect

Ground beef or turkey is affordable, and a jar of cranberry jelly stretches to feed a whole crowd. Add a few pantry staples, and you’ve got a holiday appetizer that looks (and tastes) way more expensive than it really is.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (homemade or store-bought frozen meatballs work too)
• 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
• ½ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare meatballs: Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs or bake your own ahead of time.
2. Mix sauce: In the slow cooker, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add meatballs: Stir to coat evenly in the sauce.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1–2 hours.
5. Serve: Switch to “warm” and set out with toothpicks for easy serving.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (low) or 1 hour (high)
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: ~30 meatballs
• Calories: ~120 per serving (2–3 meatballs)
• Fat: 6g
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Costs: ~$8 for a full batch