Alright, come on in, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s talk about these Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs! Seriously, these little gems have been a lifesaver for so many holiday gatherings and weeknight dinners at my house. I’m telling you, they’re a total crowd-pleaser.

You know, I wasn’t always a meatball master. I remember the first time I tried making something similar to these Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs. It was a DISASTER! I overcooked the meatballs, the sauce was way too tart, and the whole thing was just…sad. My kids politely ate them, but their faces told a different story. It was definitely one of those “learn from your mistakes” moments. I almost gave up on making cranberry meatballs recipe altogether, but something told me to try again.

Then one Thanksgiving, I had some leftover cranberry sauce – the good kind, with orange zest and a touch of spice – and a lightbulb went off. Why not combine that with some smoky barbecue sauce and make a sweet and spicy meatballs sauce? It was a revelation! After a few tweaks and some very honest feedback from my family (they are my best, and sometimes harshest, critics!), I finally landed on this Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs recipe.

Now, with my crazy schedule between work, kids, and trying to keep this blog afloat, I need recipes that are easy and quick, but also delicious. These Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs tick all the boxes. Whether I’m throwing a holiday party or just need a quick dinner, they’re always a hit. I perfected my method for making Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs over years of holiday gatherings and potlucks. I am proud to say they are always the first to disappear!

My cooking philosophy is all about making real food for real people. No fancy techniques, no impossible-to-find ingredients, just good, honest food that brings people together. And these Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs? They’re the perfect example of that.

So, are you ready to give them a try? Trust me, even if you’ve had a meatball mishap or two in the past, you can totally nail this. Let’s get cooking! These sweet and spicy meatballs are sure to be a family favorite for years to come! For a shortcut version, you could even use the Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs Recipe | Slow Cooker Meatball …

What You’ll Need for This Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, nothing too crazy here. For the best Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs, you want to use quality ingredients, but don’t feel like you need to break the bank!

Meatballs:

2 lbs Ground Beef: I always use 80/20 for my Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs. It has enough fat to keep them juicy and flavorful. You can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork, or even ground turkey if you prefer.
1 cup Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work great because they give the meatballs a nice, light texture.
1/2 cup Milk: Just a little bit of milk helps to keep the meatballs moist.
1 Large Egg: To bind everything together.
1/4 cup Chopped Onion: Adds a little bit of savory flavor.
2 cloves Garlic, Minced: Because everything is better with garlic!
1 teaspoon Salt: To season the meatballs.
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best.
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder: This is one of my family’s favorites for getting that deep, rich savory flavor in our Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs!
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Because everything is better with garlic!

Sauce:

1 (14 oz) can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: This is the star of the show! I prefer whole berry because I like the texture, but you can use jellied if that’s what you have on hand.
1 cup BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand. I like something with a smoky flavor.
1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar: For a little bit of tang.
1-2 tablespoons Sriracha Sauce: This is where the “spicy” comes in! Adjust to your liking. I start with 1 tablespoon and add more if I want more kick.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: You want a smokey sweetness for your spicy bbq meatballs!

When making Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs, you can often find cranberry sauce on sale around the holidays, so stock up! You can freeze it for later use. A trick I learned from my grandmother is to always have some frozen cranberries on hand. They can be used in so many different recipes! Also, for my spicy bbq meatballs, I buy the sriracha in bulk. We use it on everything!

Storage Tip: Leftover breadcrumbs can be stored in the freezer to keep them fresh.

Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s move on to the fun part: making these delicious Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs! Also, feel free to reference this recipe for Cranberry Meatballs (Stovetop or Slow Cooker) + Video to learn more about the perfect cranberry sauce!

Let’s Make This Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs Together

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! Don’t worry, this is the easy part. Just follow along, and you’ll have a batch of amazing Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs in no time. If you’re looking for inspiration beyond these sweet and spicy meatballs, you can also visit this page for Cranberry Meatballs.

Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C): Get that oven nice and hot.
Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Mix Gently: This is important! Don’t overmix the meatball mixture, or they will be tough. I use my hands to gently combine everything until it’s just mixed.
Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. I like to use a small cookie scoop to make sure they are all the same size. This helps them cook evenly. This Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs recipe is fun to make with the family, so feel free to get the kids involved in the process.
Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned. I learned the hard way with Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs that parchment paper is your best friend. It prevents the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Make the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, let’s make the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sriracha sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. I usually stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end to make the sauce extra rich and glossy.
Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
Simmer Together: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Your Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs should smell like smoky, sweet, and spicy deliciousness!
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs immediately. I like to garnish them with some chopped green onions or fresh parsley.

While the Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are cooking, I usually prep a quick side dish, like mashed potatoes or rice. Or, if I’m feeling lazy, I just throw together a salad.

And that’s it! You’ve just made a batch of amazing Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs. See? I told you it was easy! If you’d like some help with the base recipe for these spicy bbq meatballs, check the cranberry bbq crockpot meatballs recipe.

How I Love to Serve This Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

Okay, so you’ve made these amazing Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs, but now what? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. There are so many ways to enjoy these little flavor bombs.

My family loves this Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs when I serve them over mashed potatoes or rice. The sweet and spicy sauce is the perfect complement to the creamy potatoes or fluffy rice. I also like to serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks. They’re always a hit at parties!

Go-to side dishes that pair perfectly with Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs include:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting.
Rice: A simple and versatile option.
Green Beans: A healthy and flavorful side.
Coleslaw: Adds a cool and crunchy contrast.
Cornbread: A classic Southern side.

This Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs is perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, game day gatherings, or even a quick weeknight dinner. I’ve even been known to make them for breakfast (don’t judge!).

For presentation, I like to serve the Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs in a slow cooker or chafing dish to keep them warm. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

If you have extra Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs, they are great reheated the next day. You can also use them in sandwiches or wraps. I’ve even chopped them up and added them to pasta sauce.

Seasonal variations I’ve tried include adding a touch of orange zest to the sauce in the fall or using fresh cranberries instead of canned during the holidays. You could even try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive flavor.

Friends always ask for this Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs recipe whenever I make them. They’re always impressed by the unique combination of flavors. I also have to say they always make a stunning presentation!

If you’re looking for a different spin on this recipe, check out these Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Orange Meatballs – Sand and Sisal for more inspiration.

Your Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some common questions I get about these Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs. I know sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen, so let’s get you prepared.

Q: Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?

A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen meatballs are a great option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. And feel free to sub in cranberry turkey meatballs!

Q: My sauce is too tart. What can I do?

A: Add a little more brown sugar or honey to balance out the tartness. You can also add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity.

Q: My sauce is too thick. What can I do?

A: Add a little bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Definitely! You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine them in a saucepan and heat through.

Q: My meatballs are dry. What did I do wrong?

A: You may have overmixed the meatball mixture or overcooked the meatballs. Be sure to mix the ingredients gently and bake them until they are just cooked through. Adding a little extra milk to the mixture can also help to keep them moist. You know what I do when my Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are dry? I always add a little extra sauce!

Q: Can I add other spices or seasonings to the sauce?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile. Some suggestions include: ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, or cumin.

Q: What if I don’t like spicy food?

A: No problem! Simply omit the sriracha sauce or reduce the amount to your liking.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things and put your own spin on this recipe. If you have more questions about my Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs, just send me a message. I am here to help!

My Final Thoughts on This Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

This Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents a time when I overcame a cooking challenge and created something that my family truly loves. It’s also a reminder that simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity can go a long way. These spicy bbq meatballs never fail to delight!

My Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs Pro Tips:

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture! This will result in tough meatballs.
Use a cookie scoop to make uniform meatballs. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings. Make the sauce your own!

Here are a few Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs variations I’ve tried with my family:

Spicy Cranberry BBQ Turkey Meatballs: Made with ground turkey instead of ground beef. My son loves this version!
Spicy Cranberry BBQ Chicken Meatballs: Made with ground chicken. My daughter prefers this one!
Spicy Cranberry BBQ Vegetarian Meatballs: Made with plant-based ground meat. A great option for vegetarians!

I hope you’ll give this Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs recipe a try. I’m confident that you and your family will love it as much as we do. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating memories. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own.

And remember: don’t stress if they aren’t perfect the first time! This cranberry meatballs recipe takes practice! Just keep experimenting and adjust the recipe to your liking.

Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear about your Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs success! These little balls of cranberry goodness are a guaranteed win!

Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

Print Recipe

These spicy cranberry BBQ meatballs are a flavor explosion! Sweet cranberry sauce meets smoky barbecue and a touch of heat for a unique and delicious appetizer or main course.

Author: Liliana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (or more, to taste)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
While meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, sriracha, and apple cider vinegar.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the sauce.
Toss to coat the meatballs evenly.
Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve hot.

Notes

Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks, or as a main course over rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.