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These sweet and tangy Slow Cooker Cranberry Pineapple Meatballs are the ultimate holiday appetizer, juicy, saucy, and effortless! Perfect for parties, potlucks, and Christmas Eve snacking.

The holiday season in our house means the slow cooker is working overtime. Between family get-togethers, Christmas parties, and cozy nights at home, I’m always looking for easy, festive recipes that practically cook themselves. These Slow Cooker Cranberry Pineapple Meatballs are one of those magical recipes that check every box, sweet, tangy, savory, and 100% crowd-pleasing.

I still remember the first time I made them, it was for a Christmas Eve get-together at my grandma’s. We were all crammed in her warm kitchen, the smell of cinnamon and pine in the air, trays of cookies everywhere, and these little meatballs bubbling away in the corner. Every few minutes someone would lift the lid just to “sample” one, and by the time dinner started, half the slow cooker was mysteriously empty. That’s how you know a recipe is a keeper.

Now it’s become one of my go-to Christmas appetizers. They’re perfect for tossing in the slow cooker early in the day and letting them simmer while you wrap presents, watch Christmas movies, or finish up those last-minute holiday to-dos. When it’s time to eat, you’ve got a warm, saucy appetizer that everyone devours.

What Are Slow Cooker Cranberry Pineapple Meatballs?

These are sweet and savory cocktail meatballs made right in your slow cooker. Frozen meatballs get coated in a simple sauce made from cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and pineapple chunks, a trio that’s surprisingly perfect together. The cranberry adds tang and richness, the BBQ brings smokiness, and the pineapple gives a burst of tropical sweetness that balances everything beautifully.

They simmer together for a few hours until the meatballs soak up all that saucy goodness, and the aroma fills your kitchen with cozy, holiday comfort. Garnish with a little parsley and fresh cranberries, and you’ve got a festive dish that looks just as good as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.

• Sweet & Tangy Flavor: The cranberry and pineapple combo is irresistible.

• Perfect for the Holidays: Looks beautiful on any Christmas buffet.

• Crowd-Friendly: Feeds a group without any fuss.

• Make-Ahead Magic: Keep them warm for hours, ideal for open houses or parties.

When to Serve These Meatballs

You can serve these at just about any festive occasion!

• Christmas Eve: Set them out while everyone opens gifts.

• Holiday parties: Guests can grab them with toothpicks and mingle.

• New Year’s Eve: Add them to your appetizer spread with dips and snacks.

• Game days: A guaranteed hit for football watching during the holidays.

• Family dinners: Serve them over rice or mashed potatoes for a full meal.

I’ve even made them on quiet winter nights when we just want something comforting but easy. There’s nothing better than the smell of these simmering away while the tree lights glow.

Ingredients 

• 1 family-size bag frozen meatballs (about 32 oz): Use any variety you like, homestyle, turkey, or beef.

• 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce: The base for that tangy-sweet glaze.

• 1 cup BBQ sauce: I like a smoky-sweet brand like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Hickory & Brown Sugar.

• 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained: Adds juicy sweetness that balances the cranberry.

• Parsley and fresh cranberries (optional): For garnish, adds a festive touch to your serving platter.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Pineapple Meatballs

1. Add the meatballs: Place frozen meatballs in your slow cooker. No need to thaw!

2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and drained pineapple chunks until smooth and combined.

3. Pour and coat: Pour the mixture over the meatballs and stir to coat evenly.

4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

5. Serve and garnish: Once hot and bubbly, garnish with parsley and fresh cranberries. Serve right from the slow cooker or transfer to a dish.

That’s it! Just five ingredients and a few hours later, you’ve got perfectly saucy, tender meatballs that taste like they came straight from a holiday catering spread.

Substitutions

• Meatballs: Use homemade if you prefer, just bake first so they hold together.

• Cranberry sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce works just as well.

• BBQ sauce: Try honey BBQ, spicy, or even bourbon-style for different flavor notes.

• Pineapple: Crushed pineapple can be used for a smoother texture.

• Garnish: Swap parsley for green onions or leave it out entirely.

Variations

• Cranberry Orange Meatballs: Add a few tablespoons of orange marmalade or zest for brightness.

• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• Crockpot Lil’ Smokies: Swap the meatballs for cocktail sausages.

• Hawaiian Twist: Add a splash of soy sauce and extra pineapple for a tropical version.

• Cranberry Chili Meatballs: Replace the BBQ sauce with chili sauce for that classic sweet-heat flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook: They can dry out if left too long on high heat, stick to low if you’ll be serving over several hours.

• Keep warm setting: Most slow cookers have a “keep warm” function — perfect for parties.

• Make it look festive: Sprinkle fresh cranberries and chopped parsley over the top before serving.

• Double the batch: These always disappear fast! Double everything for a crowd.

• Serving hack: Keep toothpicks nearby for easy grab-and-go bites.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix everything in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Just cook the next day when ready.

Can I use homemade meatballs?
Definitely, just pre-cook them so they hold their shape.

Do I have to use jellied cranberry sauce?
No, whole berry works great too. It adds a little texture to the sauce.

What BBQ sauce is best?
A smoky, sweet sauce balances the tart cranberry perfectly.

Can I keep them warm for a party?
Yes! Set your slow cooker to “warm” and they’ll stay perfect for 2–3 hours.

Serving Ideas

• Serve straight from the slow cooker with toothpicks.

• Spoon over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles for a hearty meal.

• Add to your Christmas buffet next to dips, sliders, and veggie trays.

• Pair with cranberry punch or sparkling cider for a festive touch.

• Serve in mini bowls or cups for individual portions at parties.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

To freeze: Let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in your slow cooker on low until hot and saucy.

For make-ahead parties, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker the night before, refrigerate, and just plug it in before guests arrive, it’s that simple.

 

If you love easy, festive appetizers that are perfect for the holidays or game day, you’ll want to try these next! Each one is simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to keep your guests coming back for more.

• Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies – Sweet, tangy, and smoky cocktail sausages that always disappear fast at parties.

• Cranberry Pepper Jelly Dip – Creamy, sweet-spicy dip made with cranberry pepper jelly and cream cheese — perfect for crackers or pretzels.

• Slow Cooker Cranberry Pineapple Kielbasa Bites – Juicy kielbasa simmered in a tangy cranberry-pineapple glaze that’s full of flavor.

• Peppermint Crockpot Candy – Sweet, creamy, and minty holiday candy that’s great for gifting or snacking.

• Christmas Morning Punch – A sparkling, fruity holiday drink that pairs perfectly with appetizers or brunch.

• Easy Snowman Cheeseball – A fun and festive cheeseball shaped like a snowman — creamy, savory, and a total party hit.

Every Christmas season, I lean on a few trusty slow cooker recipes to save my sanity, and this one’s at the top of the list. It’s cozy, simple, and full of that sweet-and-savory magic everyone loves.

There’s something comforting about having a slow cooker full of warm food simmering while the lights twinkle, the kids run around in matching pajamas, and the house smells amazing. These Slow Cooker Cranberry Pineapple Meatballs are that kind of recipe, the kind you can serve year after year and never get tired of.

Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want something special for a quiet holiday night at home, this recipe fits right in. It’s festive, fuss-free, and guaranteed to make everyone come back for seconds, and maybe thirds.