introduction
Holiday gatherings are all about warmth, joy, and delicious food. One dish that can elevate any festive meal is the Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs. This recipe combines the sweetness of cranberry and orange with savory meatballs, making it a perfect appetizer for your holiday celebrations.
why make this recipe
There are many reasons to choose this Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Second, the unique flavor combination of cranberries and oranges brings a cheerful touch to your holiday spread. Finally, these meatballs can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any gathering.
how to make Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs
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
Directions:
- In a large skillet, combine the cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and stir to coat them in the glaze.
- Cook until heated through, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm as a holiday appetizer.
how to serve Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs
These meatballs can be served in a variety of ways. You can place them on a serving platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. They are also great to serve alongside dipping sauces or even over a bed of rice for a heartier dish.
how to store Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs
If you have leftovers, you can store the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
tips to make Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs
- If you want a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- For a fresher taste, you can add a splash of orange juice to the sauce.
- Make sure to stir the meatballs occasionally while they simmer to ensure even coating and heating.
variation (if any)
You can switch up the meatballs by using turkey or veggie meatballs instead of traditional beef or pork. This gives the dish a different flavor while keeping the base of the recipe the same.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, homemade meatballs work great! Just make sure they are fully cooked before mixing with the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up before adding the meatballs.
What if I can’t find orange marmalade?
If you can’t find orange marmalade, you can substitute it with apricot jam or any other fruit preserve you enjoy.

Holiday Cranberry Orange Meatballs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: None
Description
Sweet and savory meatballs coated in a delightful cranberry and orange glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine the cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and stir to coat them in the glaze.
- Cook until heated through, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm as a holiday appetizer.
Notes
For some heat, add red pepper flakes to the glaze. You can substitute orange marmalade with apricot jam if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American



