Hey, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I am SO excited to share one of my absolute favorite flavor adventures with you: Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs! These aren’t your grandma’s plain old meatballs. These are little flavor bombs that will blow your mind! 🔥

I remember one late night, craving something both sweet and savory, I started throwing things together. Cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, a little spice… BAM! These Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs were born! It was one of those happy accidents that turned into a family favorite.

What I love most about these Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs is how they transform any meal into a celebration. Whether it’s a game-day snack, a holiday appetizer, or a fun weeknight dinner, these meatballs are always a hit. They are a bold combination of flavors that make your taste buds dance!

Ready to get your hands saucy and dive into this amazing recipe? Come on, let’s make some Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs together! You’re in for a treat that’s equal parts comforting and exciting. Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This ingredient list for Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs is all about creating a symphony of flavors. We are talking sweet, spicy, and smoky all rolled into one delicious bite. Don’t be scared to get a little adventurous!

Here’s what you’ll need to make my Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs:

Ingredients for Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

1 lb Ground Beef: I usually go for 80/20 for that extra juiciness, but you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer.
1 cup Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give these meatballs a great texture.
1/2 cup Milk: Helps keep the meatballs moist and tender.
1 Egg: Binds everything together.
1 tsp Garlic Powder: For that essential garlic flavor.
1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Adds a subtle savory note.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
1 (14 oz) can Cranberry Sauce: This is the star of the show! You can use whole berry or jellied, depending on your preference.
1 cup BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite! I love a smoky BBQ sauce for this.
1/4 cup Spicy BBQ Sauce: Now for that spicy kick!
1 tbsp Sriracha: For an extra boost of heat! (Optional, but highly recommended)
1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bit of tang to balance the sweetness.

This Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs gets its amazing taste from the combination of the tangy cranberry sauce, the smoky BBQ sauce, and that hit of spice. It’s a party in your mouth!

No worries if you don’t have sriracha on hand; you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper instead. I love adding extra sriracha to my Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs for that extra kick!

You can grab most of these ingredients during your normal shopping trip. I often double the batch and freeze half for a super easy weeknight dinner. For peak freshness, store your cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge after opening.

Let’s Make Some!

Alright, fellow food adventurers, let’s get cooking! These Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are easier to make than you might think. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a batch of flavor-packed meatballs in no time.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Roll the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This part can get a little messy, but it’s also kind of fun! I usually get around 30-35 meatballs from this recipe.
Bake the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 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.
In my kitchen, this Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs usually takes exactly 22 minutes to bake to perfection.
Make the Spicy Cranberry BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to make the star of the show: the sauce! In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sriracha (if using).
This is where the magic starts happening!
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.
Your Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs should smell absolutely incredible right now!
Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked and the sauce is ready, add the meatballs to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly.
Don’t worry if your Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs looks a little sticky. That’s exactly what we want!
Simmer Again: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so they absorb all that delicious flavor.
This is my favorite part of making Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs – watching the magic happen!
Crock-Pot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs Option: You can also make these in a slow cooker! Combine the cooked meatballs and sauce in a Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs Recipe | Slow Cooker Meatball … on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through.

These are not your average meatballs! Serve your Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs immediately and watch everyone go wild!

How to Serve Up This!

Okay, so you’ve made these incredible Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs. Now, how do you serve them up to really make them shine? Let me give you some ideas!

I love to serve these Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs as an appetizer at parties. They’re always a huge hit, and people can’t stop popping them into their mouths! Serve them with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

These meatballs are perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! Try serving them over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. The sweet and spicy sauce is amazing with the creamy base.

For a fun twist, try making Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs sliders! Serve them on mini slider buns with a scoop of coleslaw for a delicious and satisfying meal. The flavors all work so well together.

People literally do happy dances when this Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs hits the table with a side of creamy mac and cheese. The combination of flavors and textures is just irresistible.

I also love transforming these Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs into a fusion dish. Try serving them over rice noodles with some stir-fried veggies for a quick and easy Asian-inspired meal. Don’t be afraid to combine flavors.

For a holiday twist, make these Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs and serve them alongside your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread. They add a fun and unexpected flavor to the traditional holiday meal. Check out this recipe for more ideas: Cranberry Meatballs (Stovetop or Slow Cooker) + Video.

You can easily use leftover Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs to make a quick and tasty pasta sauce. Simply toss them with cooked pasta and some extra sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

FAQs:

Got questions about making these amazing Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions and my best tips for making this recipe a success.

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs? Absolutely! This recipe is super simple and straightforward. As long as you follow the steps, you’ll be golden. I promise, even if you’re new to cooking, you can totally nail this!

What if I mess up my Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Honestly, it’s hard to mess these up too badly. Even if they’re a little overcooked or the sauce is a little too spicy, they’ll still taste amazing. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of happy accidents in the kitchen.

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe? Yes, you definitely can! If you’re short on time, using frozen meatballs is a great shortcut. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the sauce. This recipe works great with Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs – The Chunky Chef.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine them in a saucepan and heat through.

How can I prep this Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs for busy weeknights? To save time on busy weeknights, you can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, all you have to do is roll the meatballs and bake them when you’re ready to eat.

Can I freeze these Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs? Absolutely! These meatballs freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

What if I don’t like spice? You can totally adjust the spice level to your liking. Simply reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce. You can also use a milder BBQ sauce for a less spicy flavor.

Are these Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. There are plenty of great options available at most grocery stores.

CONCLUSION:

These Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are more than just a recipe to me. They’re a reminder that the best flavors often come from unexpected combinations and a little bit of kitchen creativity. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me!

My Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs Flavor Secrets:

Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try different BBQ sauces, cranberry sauces, and spices to find your perfect flavor combination.
Simmer, simmer, simmer: Letting the meatballs simmer in the sauce is key to infusing them with flavor.
Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of freshness and color.

Here are a few delicious Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs variations I’ve tested:

Hawaiian: Add a can of crushed pineapple to the sauce for a tropical twist.
Maple-Glazed: Use maple syrup instead of apple cider vinegar for a sweeter, more decadent sauce.
Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap each meatball in a slice of bacon before baking for extra smoky flavor.

For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs. The Maple-Glazed version is perfect for cozy winter nights, while the Bacon-Wrapped is a crowd-pleaser at any party. And this Spicy Black Bean Soup would pair perfectly with these delicious meatballs. You might also enjoy this twist on a classic with these Cranberry Meatballs.

I can’t wait for you to try these Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs and make them your own. Trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and most importantly, have fun! I’m so excited for your cooking adventure. Happy cooking, my friends! 💕🍕🔥

Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

Print Recipe

These Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are a flavor explosion! Sweet cranberries meet smoky BBQ sauce with a kick of spice, creating the perfect appetizer or main course.

Author: Nyla
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
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (or more, to taste)

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, onion, garlic 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, and sriracha. Heat over medium heat, stirring until well combined.
Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir to coat.
Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing 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. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha.