The Best Appetizer Meatballs

These are the best appetizer meatballs you’ll ever try! Sweet, savory, and a little tangy with a hint of heat. They are so easy to make too. Serve them at your next New Year’s Eve party, Superbowl party, or for a simple get-together with friends. Using frozen meatballs makes this recipe even easier.

Quick and Easy Appetizers are the Best

If you haven’t ever tried a cocktail (or appetizer) meatball, you have been missing out on one of the easiest and most delicious appetizers ever created. It is beloved by hosts and hostesses around the world. (Okay, I don’t have the stats to back this claim, but I’m pretty sure it’s true.)

The simple ingredients and the convenience of being able to make these in a crockpot or on the stovetop make this recipe the best, especially for entertaining. These appetizer meatballs are always a huge crowd-pleaser.  The recipe can be halved or doubled depending on the size of the gathering. 

What’s in the Best Appetizer Meatball?

Thank you for asking! With only three simple ingredients in this recipe, the mouthwatering flavor that is created when they’re combined is out of this world. The ingredients are:

• Frozen meatballs (*If you want to be an overachiever, which I totally get and admittedly am, you can certainly make your meatballs from scratch. I will also include an easy and delicious meatball recipe below.
• Heinz Chili Sauce 
• Cranberry sauce (without chunks of cranberry in it) 
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional-for some added heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make the Best Appetizer Meatballs

There are two ways to make these mouthwatering appetizer meatballs. Typically, I make a single batch on the stovetop in a saucepan. However, if I am doubling the recipe for a larger crowd, then I like to use the crockpot. Both are incredibly easy ways to cook the meatballs.

On the Stovetop:

Add the frozen meatballs, the chili sauce, and the cranberry sauce to a large saucepan. (If you are adding heat with cayenne, now is the time to add it too.) Stir to combine. Heat the ingredients in the covered saucepan over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes or until hot, stirring occasionally. Allow the meatballs to cool slightly before serving.

In the Crockpot:

Add the frozen meatballs, the chili sauce, and the cranberry sauce to the crockpot. (If you are adding heat with cayenne, now is the time to add it too.) Stir to combine. Put the lid on the crockpot and cook the meatballs on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, until they’re hot. Allow the meatballs to cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve the Best Appetizer Meatballs

Once the meatballs are done cooking in the sauce and they’ve cooled a bit. Using a large spoon, transfer them to a serving bowl or platter and garnish them with fresh chopped parsley. Serve toothpicks alongside them for guests to use. 

I hope you and yours enjoy this easy and delicious appetizer recipe as much as we do. If you are looking for another delicious and easy appetizer recipe, you may also like:

Delicious White Bean Hummus

Yield: 12 servings

The Best Appetizer Meatballs

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

These are the best appetizer meatballs you'll ever try! Sweet, savory, and a little tangy with a hint of heat. They are so easy to make too. Serve them at your next New Year's Eve party, Superbowl party, or for a simple get-together with friends. Using frozen meatballs makes this recipe even easier.

Print

Ingredients

• 1- 28-32 ounce bag of 'homestyle' frozen meatballs
• 1- 12 ounce jar of Heinz Chili Sauce
• 1- 10 ounce jar or 15 ounce can of cranberry sauce
• Pinch of cayenne (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)

Instructions

Add the frozen meatballs, the chili sauce, and the cranberry sauce to a large saucepan. (If you are adding heat with cayenne, now is the time to add it too.) Stir to combine.

Heat the ingredients in the covered saucepan over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes or until hot, stirring occasionally.

Allow the meatballs to cool slightly before serving. Transfer them to a platter or a bowl and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve them accompanied with toothpicks for guests to use.

Notes

In place of cranberry sauce, grape jelly can also be used.

This recipe is great for serving a crowd! It's super easy to double or even triple.

Quick and Easy Homemade Meatball Recipe

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork (or turkey)
• Small onion minced,
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl using a wooden spoon or a spatula. Mix well. With your hands, form 1-inch balls. 

Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. The outside of the meatballs should be a bit browned and crispy. (An internal thermometer should read 155 degrees.)