Sweet and Sour Meatballs

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The balance of sweet cranberry sauce with the tang of vinegar and kick of chili sauce creates an unforgettable glaze for these succulent meatballs. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving something comforting and quick, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

One of the best parts? It’s perfect for using up leftover cranberry sauce, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or post-holiday meals. Serve them straight from the pot or skewer them for elegant party bites—either way, these sweet and sour meatballs are sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce
1 (14 oz) can jellied cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1 1/2 pounds frozen fully cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

In a large saucepan, combine chili sauce, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the frozen meatballs, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thickened.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Ultimate Comfort Dish: Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze

When it comes to timeless comfort food that works equally well for casual dinners and festive gatherings, sweet and sour meatballs are a go-to favorite. With their balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes, these bite-sized morsels deliver a flavor punch that’s universally loved. And the best part? They’re incredibly simple to make, especially when you start with frozen meatballs and pantry staples like cranberry sauce and chili sauce.

This version of sweet and sour meatballs adds a holiday twist by incorporating jellied cranberry sauce into the glaze, lending a beautiful sheen and subtle tartness that enhances the flavor profile. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, game day party, or looking for a fast weeknight dish, this recipe fits the bill.

Why Cranberry Sauce Works in Savory Recipes

Cranberry sauce is typically associated with Thanksgiving dinner, but it’s so much more versatile than a once-a-year condiment. When used in a savory recipe like these meatballs, it brings depth, tanginess, and natural sweetness without overpowering the dish. It also offers a glossy texture that helps the sauce cling beautifully to the meatballs.

By using cranberry sauce as a key ingredient in the glaze, this dish manages to feel festive without being fussy. It’s a smart way to use up leftovers, reduce food waste, and still serve something that feels intentional and special.

The Magic of Sweet and Sour Flavor Pairings

The balance of sweet and sour flavors is at the heart of many beloved global cuisines—from Asian-inspired sauces to classic barbecue glazes. This combination excites the palate and creates a satisfying, dynamic eating experience.

In this recipe, the sweetness of the cranberry sauce and brown sugar is balanced by the tang of apple cider vinegar and the mild heat of chili sauce. A touch of soy sauce brings in an umami depth, while garlic and onion powders round out the flavor. The result is a sauce that is rich, sticky, and flavorful—perfect for coating hearty meatballs.

Frozen Meatballs: A Time-Saving Shortcut

One of the standout aspects of this dish is how it takes advantage of frozen, fully cooked meatballs. These convenient little flavor bombs allow you to skip the hassle of prepping and cooking meatballs from scratch, making this a true 30-minute meal.

Using frozen meatballs doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Choose a brand with a short ingredient list and good seasoning, or opt for turkey or chicken options if you’re looking for something a bit lighter. Vegetarian or plant-based meatballs can also be substituted to suit dietary needs.

Perfect for Entertaining

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, planning a potluck, or preparing appetizers for a party, sweet and sour meatballs are always a hit. They’re easy to make in large batches and hold up well in a slow cooker or warming dish.

Because they’re so flavorful and visually appealing, they often disappear quickly at gatherings. The cranberry glaze gives them a glossy, jewel-toned finish that looks stunning on any buffet or party tray. Add a garnish of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Adaptable for Different Diets and Preferences

The core of this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Want to cut down on sugar? Use a lower-sugar cranberry sauce or skip the brown sugar altogether. Watching your sodium? Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce and choose meatballs with minimal salt.

For those avoiding gluten, there are many gluten-free meatball brands available, and the sauce can be thickened with cornstarch or arrowroot instead of flour. Vegan or vegetarian versions are just as delicious with plant-based meatballs and meatless chili sauce.

You can also adjust the spice level to suit your audience. Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or use a mild chili sauce for a kid-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These meatballs are delicious served on their own as appetizers, but they also shine when turned into a full meal. Here are a few creative serving ideas:

Over rice or noodles: Spoon meatballs and sauce over jasmine rice, egg noodles, or even quinoa for a hearty, balanced meal.
With roasted vegetables: The sweet and sour flavors pair beautifully with oven-roasted veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
On sliders or sandwich buns: Pile them onto mini slider buns for a fun party snack or serve in hoagie rolls with a bit of slaw for a meatball sub twist.
As a party skewer: Serve individual meatballs on toothpicks or cocktail skewers for easy finger food at events.
With mashed potatoes: For a cozy, comforting dinner, serve with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans.

This dish also reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Holiday Ready and Crowd-Pleasing

Thanks to the cranberry glaze, these meatballs are particularly well-suited for holiday tables. They’re festive enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas but simple enough to prepare in under 30 minutes. The red-hued sauce glistens beautifully under warm lighting, making the dish look just as good as it tastes.

You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator, making the final assembly even quicker. Just reheat the sauce and add your meatballs when you’re ready to serve.

Hosting a buffet or potluck? Keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker on the “low” setting and place serving utensils nearby so guests can help themselves. This also frees up your stove and oven for other dishes.

Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Meatballs Every Time

Here are a few pro tips to make sure your meatballs turn out perfectly every time:

Simmer low and slow: Once your meatballs are in the sauce, simmer them gently. High heat can cause the sauce to over-reduce or burn.
Don’t skip whisking: Make sure to whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly so they combine smoothly and don’t separate.
Use fresh garnishes: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onion adds freshness and elevates the presentation.
Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered a little longer or thicken with a cornstarch slurry.

Conclusion

Sweet and sour meatballs with cranberry glaze are a delicious and versatile dish that delivers in both flavor and presentation. They’re simple enough for a busy weeknight and festive enough for a special occasion. With just a few ingredients—most of which you probably already have—you can create a dish that’s satisfying, elegant, and guaranteed to impress.

This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s quick, customizable, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family, prepping appetizers for a party, or looking for a creative way to use up leftover cranberry sauce, these sweet and sour meatballs are a must-try. Once you taste how effortlessly delicious they are, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.