Okay, friends—get ready for a holiday appetizer that’ll totally steal the show. These Sweet & Spicy Holiday Meatball Bites are sticky, savory, and just the right amount of kick to make your guests say, “Whoa, what is in this?!” I make these every year, and not a single one ever survives the party. They’re crowd-pleasing little flavor bombs that come together with minimal effort but maximum sparkle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Back when I worked as a personal chef during the holiday season, I needed go-to recipes that traveled well, looked cute on a tray, and didn’t require a stovetop minute by minute. These bites were born from that hustle—and trust me, they check all the boxes.
- Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of heat
- Great make-ahead option for stress-free entertaining
- Can be made with fresh or frozen meatballs
- Easy to double or triple for a crowd
- Fun, festive, and ready for your holiday table!
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 bag (about 40) frozen cocktail-size meatballs
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
- 1/2 cup chili sauce (like Heinz or your fave brand)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
- Toothpicks or mini skewers for serving
Pro Tips
- Homemade meatballs? Go for it! Just fully cook them before adding to the sauce.
- No cranberry sauce? Swap with apricot preserves or even grape jelly—still delish!
- Want them extra saucy? Double the sauce for that sticky glaze everyone loves.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to a large saucepan or slow cooker.
- Stir everything together and heat over medium heat until smooth and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Add frozen meatballs to the sauce and stir until coated.
- If using a stovetop: Cover and simmer on low, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.
If using a slow cooker: Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or LOW for 4–5 hours. - Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve warm with toothpicks!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the sauce before adding the meatballs or it can get too sticky. Let it bubble, then simmer gently.
- Make these a day ahead and reheat in the slow cooker before your party—they hold up beautifully.
- If doubling the batch, taste and adjust sweetness/spice—you want balance, not overload.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Make it a meal: Serve over jasmine rice with a crisp side salad.
- Korean-style: Swap chili sauce for gochujang and add a dash of rice vinegar.
- Game-day twist: Stir in a little BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese for tailgate vibes.
- Serve them in mini slider buns for meatball sliders!
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before going into the sauce. I’d go with a beef or turkey base for best flavor match.
How spicy are these?
They have a little kick, but nothing overpowering. You can dial the heat up or down by adjusting the red pepper flakes—or skip them if you prefer sweet only.
Can these be served cold?
Technically, yes—but they really shine warm. If you’re prepping ahead for a party, keep them in a slow cooker on warm for easy serving.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (about 40) frozen cocktail-size meatballs
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan or slow cooker.
- Stir until smooth and bubbly, then add meatballs and coat well.
- Cook until heated through: 20–25 minutes stovetop or 2–3 hours on HIGH in slow cooker.
- Garnish and serve warm with toothpicks.
Nutrition: ~90 calories per meatball bite
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment below, snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, or share it with your party crew. Let’s spread the joy (and the sweet ‘n’ spicy love) this season!
