Sweet and Spicy Holiday Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatballs are incredibly easy to make and always a hit. The combination of sweet jam and spicy chili sauce creates a perfectly balanced glaze that’s both comforting and exciting. They can be made in a slow cooker, baked, or simmered on the stovetop—making them versatile for busy holiday prep. Plus, you can use homemade or store-bought meatballs, depending on your time and preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs

• Ground beef or turkey
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Milk
• Optional: chopped parsley or grated Parmesan

For the Sauce

• Grape jelly or cranberry sauce
• Chili sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste)
• Brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
• Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (for depth)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Optional Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. While the meatballs bake, combine sauce ingredients (grape jelly, chili sauce, soy sauce, etc.) in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth and bubbly.
6. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully coated and heated through.
7. Garnish and serve warm with toothpicks or over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 meatballs.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Simmer time: 15 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Slow Cooker Method: Add cooked or frozen meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker. Heat on low for 2–3 hours or high for 1–2 hours.
• Store-Bought Shortcut: Use frozen fully-cooked meatballs to save time—just add them directly to the sauce and heat through.
• Cranberry Twist: Swap grape jelly for cranberry sauce for a more seasonal flavor.
• Asian-Inspired: Use hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar in the glaze.
• Plant-Based: Use vegetarian or vegan meatballs with the same sauce for a meat-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
• To reheat, warm on the stove or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Just make sure they’re fully cooked. Add them directly to the sauce and simmer until heated through.

What kind of chili sauce should I use?

A classic chili sauce like Heinz or a spicier option like sriracha both work. Adjust based on your heat preference.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make and refrigerate the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and heat before serving.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your sauces are gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Yes, this recipe scales well—just use a larger pot or slow cooker and adjust the seasoning as needed.

What sides go well with these meatballs?

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or toothpicks for appetizer-style.

Can I bake the meatballs in the sauce?

Yes, you can add raw meatballs to a baking dish with the sauce and bake covered at 375°F for about 30–35 minutes.

How spicy are they?

That’s up to you! Add more or less chili sauce or red pepper flakes depending on your spice tolerance.

What fruit preserves work best?

Grape jelly, cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, or even pineapple jam are great sweet bases for the sauce.

Can kids eat these?

Yes, just tone down the spice or use a milder chili sauce if serving to younger guests.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Holiday Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy dinners. With juicy meatballs and a glossy, flavorful glaze, this dish combines comfort and excitement in every bite. Whether you serve them with toothpicks, over rice, or tucked into a slider bun, they’re guaranteed to be one of the first things to disappear from the table.

Sweet and Spicy Holiday Meatballs

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Sweet and Spicy Holiday Meatballs are juicy, bite-sized appetizers coated in a festive glaze made from fruit preserves and chili sauce. They’re perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy dinners, offering a bold and balanced sweet-heat flavor.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 meatballs
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Bake and Simmer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tbsp chopped parsley or 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup grape jelly or cranberry sauce
• 3/4 cup chili sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. Meanwhile, in a large skillet or saucepan, combine jelly, chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes over medium heat. Stir until smooth and bubbling.
6. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until coated and heated through.
7. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or parsley if desired.
8. Serve warm with toothpicks or over rice or mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Use store-bought frozen meatballs for a shortcut—just heat them in the sauce until warmed through.
• Adjust the spice level to suit your preference by increasing or reducing chili sauce or red pepper flakes.
• This recipe doubles easily for parties—just use a large pot or slow cooker.
• Make meatballs ahead and store separately from the sauce; combine when ready to serve.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 meatballs
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 55mg