Instant Pot Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
These Instant Pot Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs are a tasty appetizer and the ideal party food to serve. The cranberry flavors are sweet and delicious and really complement the meatballs. You are going to love them.
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When it comes to finding the right dish to serve as an appetizer or a delicious bite-size dish that is an ideal option for holiday parties then this Cranberry meatballs recipe is going to be top of your list every time. Whether you want to use up any leftover cranberry sauce or you just love the flavor, these meatballs are tender, full of flavor, and easy to make. The meatballs are slightly sweet, with a bit of a tart aftertaste. However, the cranberry really balances the chili sauce flavors. The great news about this recipe is that you only need a handful of ingredients and the instant pot does all of the work.
I know that family gatherings can be hectic or entertaining people at home can be tricky but this perfect appetizer is a bit of a crowd pleaser and the flavors are something that will appeal to everyone. So if you want to give these tasty instant pot meatballs a try then here is everything you need to know to make them.
Ingredients needed for the Instant Pot Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
- 1 32oz package of meatballs
- 1 14oz can of cranberry jelly sauce (regular or whole berry sauce both work)
- 1 12oz bottle of chili sauce
- ½ cup of water
How to make the Instant Pot Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
Now that you have got all of the ingredients together let's make this easy recipe.
Step one: Getting everything into the Instant Pot
One of the first things to do would be to gather these ingredients together and prepare your instant pot. Place the meatballs into the bottom of your Instant Pot insert and spread them out. Add in your cranberry jelly sauce, chili sauce, and also water. Make sure you give everything a good stir to ensure all of the ingredients have combined and your meatballs are coated with the delicious flavors.
Step two: Cooking the meatballs
Now that all your prep is done you need to place lid down on your Instant pot and turn the steam valve to sealed. The best option is to manually pressure cook the meatballs on the high setting for five minutes. When the instant pot has finished, let the steam naturally release for another five minutes, and then turn the valve to release the remaining pressure from your pot.
Step three: Time to serve and enjoy
Now that the pressure has been released you can lift the lif of your Instant Pot safely. Give the meatballs a good stir and then serve them with toothpicks inserted into each meatball. This makes them easy to eat and a great appetizer option. Enjoy!
Recipe notes and tips
It doesn't matter whether you are a seasoned pro in the kitchen or a novice, it is always a good idea to get some helpful hints and tips to help make things easy. No matter how simple it is there will always be some extra guidance. I have a couple of suggestions and notes that will help you when making this recipe.
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- For this recipe, we used a 6qt Instant Pot. The cooking time can vary depending on your instant pot. If you are unsure you could always cook them for less time and check on them. Putting them back on if you feel they need a little longer.
- Is your sauce too thick? You could always add a little water. Try and refrain from doing that at first as the pressure cooking can add moisture.
- Is your sauce too thin? Sometimes the pressure can add to the liquid because of the way it cooks. If it is too thick just turn the instant pot on the saute function which will reduce the liquid after a few minutes.
Variations to try
Sometimes it is nice to vary things, know what you can substitute, and try new flavors. So I thought I would share with you some of the variations that you might want to try with this recipe.
- Any type of meatballs would work well for this recipe. Turkey, pork, chicken and beef meatballs will all take on the fruity flavors.
- This is a great way to cook meatballs. You could get creative with different flavors. Gravy, stock, sweet chili sauce, they will all work well.
- Instead of meatballs this recipe and sauce would coat chicken wings really nicely.
- Serve them with some pasta or rice to make a complete meal. They will also work well with some roasted vegetables.
- Add some orange juice or orange marmalade to give a citrus flavor.
- You could add some fresh cranberries to add some depth to the sauce if you wish.
FAQs
When it comes to recipes there will always be questions. I thought I would cover some of the most frequently asked questions here. Please feel free to get in touch if your question isn't covered in the recipe.
How should I store the instant pot Cranberry Meatballs?
If you have any leftovers make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers in a Ziploc bag for 1-3 months. You can store them this way if you make them ahead for when you need them. Make a double batch and keep some in the freezer for when you need them.
Can I use frozen meatballs for this cranberry meatball recipe?
Yes, you can! It should take the same amount of time to cook them in the instant pot and the method remains the same. However, they might need a touch longer so you will need to check after five minutes.
I don't have an Instant pot can I use a slow cooker for this cranberry sauce meatballs recipe?
Sure! It will take 2-3 hours in a slow cooker or crock pot. You can then use the keep warm setting once they are cooked. This is a great option to put on ahead of time if you are using your instant pot for another dish.
I hope you enjoy this Instant Pot Cranberry Cocktail Meatball recipe.
Instant Pot Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 32 oz package meatballs
- 14 oz can cranberry jelly sauce regular or whole berry sauce both work
- 12 oz bottle chili sauce
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Place meatballs into the bottom of your Instant Pot insert.
- Add in the cranberry jelly sauce, chili sauce and water. Stir to combine.
- Close the lid to the Instant Pot and turn the steam valve to sealed. Set to manually pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. When the Instant Pot has finished cooking, allow the steam to naturally release for 5 minutes, then turn the steam valve to release any remaining pressure.
- Stir well and serve the meatballs with toothpicks for easy appetizers, enjoy!
Nutrition
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