These Sweet and Spicy Party Meatballs are the perfect twist on the classic cocktail meatball appetizer. They are made with only 4 ingredients and cooked low and slow in the slow cooker until heated through.
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Every party menu should have cocktail meatballs on it. They are so easy to make and they are downright delicious. It’s crazy to think about how a few ingredients and a little bit of prep time can make an amazing appetizer.
Inspired by the classic grape jelly meatball recipe, these meatballs are a little different as they are made with cranberry sauce, bbq sauce, and a couple of chipotle peppers for an added spicy kick.
How to make Party Meatballs
First, prepare your chipotle peppers in adobo sauce by chopping them up finely. I generally buy a small can of peppers, remove two whole peppers and chop them finely with a knife. Place them in the slow cooker. For a spicier meatball sauce, add 2 Tbsp of the adobo sauce from the can.
Next, pop open your can of jellied cranberry sauce and place the sauce in your slow cooker and use a spoon to break the jelly up.
Then add bbq sauce and stir thoroughly.
Add pre-cooked frozen meatballs and stir, ensuring all the meatballs are covered in the sauce.
Next, cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through.
Serve and enjoy 🙂
Notes:
- If you like your sauce less spicy, leave out the extra 1-2 Tbsp of adobe pepper sauce.
- I use precooked frozen meatballs. I prefer beef meatballs for this recipe but any precooked meatballs you can get your hands on should work just fine.
- Any original bbq sauce will work fine. Homemade BBQ Sauce or Sweet Baby Ray’s work best.
Looking for other party appetizers? Try these out:
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken
- Cauliflower Dip
- BBQ Black-Eyed Pea Dip
- Southern Deviled Egg Recipes
Sweet and Spicy Party Meatballs
Ingredients
- 32 oz frozen precooked meatballs
- 1 14 oz can of jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 cup bbq sauce
- 2 chopped Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce + 2 Tbsp sauce
Instructions
- Place ingredients in slow cooker, ensuring all the meatballs are covered. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve and enjoy.
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Notes
- If you like your sauce less spicy, leave out the extra 1-2 Tbsp of adobe pepper sauce.
- I use precooked frozen meatballs. I prefer beef meatballs for this recipe but any meatballs you can get your hands on should work just fine.
- Any original bbq sauce will work fine. Homemade or Sweet Baby Ray’s work best.