• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Spring Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Order Meal Prep
  • Courses
  • About

Allianna's Kitchen

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Spring Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Order Meal Prep
  • Courses
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Spring Recipes
    • Recipes
    • Order Meal Prep
    • Courses
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Allianna's Kitchen » Recipes » Appetizers

    Published: Dec 6, 2023 · Modified: May 21, 2024 by Allianna Moximchalk · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

    62 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    jump to recipe / print recipe

    These Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are sweet and savory. They are the perfect post thanksgiving appetizer and snack. You can make them with any leftover cranberry sauce or also prep them with your traditional paleo thanksgiving meal. These meatballs can be made two ways, one with frozen meatballs or with meatballs from scratch both with simple ingredients. Both sets of instructions are included. With these meatballs only taking 5 minutes to prep, it is a no brainer to add them to your holiday menu.

    Cranberry BBQ meatballs garnishes with fresh green herbs and citrus zest with a toothpick in them.

    These meatballs are a great way to get into the spirit of the holidays with all the flavors but without all the work and mess! This would be great to take to holiday parties. If you love the cranberry orange combination like I do, you will love the other cranberry recipes on my blog like my Gluten Free Orange Cake with Cranberries and Whole30 Cranberry Sauce.

    This is also a good finger food treat! I love pairing these fun meatballs with recipes like my Gluten Free Pigs in A Blanket recipe.

    I love to create recipes that are inspired by the time of year. I have developed numerous fall recipes that are delicious and easy. I recommend any of my recipes but some of my favorite fall dishes are: AIP Turkey Breast, instant pot turkey soup, gluten free ravioli, apple ginger pulled pork, Simple Beetroot Dip and maple brussel sprouts.

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients:
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Step By Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Storage Instructions
    • Other Gluten Free Meatball Recipes You Will Love
    • Are you interested in a list of my go to healthy alternatives?
    • Paleo Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • This recipe is simple to make with short cut options to make it even simpler. They are versatile as well with different options of fresh or homemade meatballs or instead of a slow cooker you could just cook on your stovetop!
    • This is a great recipe to help use up some of your Thanksgiving dinner.
    • Kids will love this recipe.
    • These meatballs are naturally paleo, dairy free, gluten free, soy free, refined sugar free, whole 30 friendly, nut free, and grain free.
    • This recipe has only four ingredients!
    • This is a perfect crockpot meal to use during the busy holiday season!
    • You can prepare this recipe in advance so that all you have to do is dump it into the crockpot and turn it on.
    • I love making this recipe with my Whole30 Cranberry Sauce.

    Ingredients:

    cranberry bbq meatballs 2

    This recipe has two options. The first option is to use frozen store bought meatballs to help save on time. The second option is to make meatballs from scratch. I will be including both ingredient options below. 

    For The Frozen Meatball Recipe

    • Frozen meatballs-Whole Foods has a lot of goods brands that are naturally dairy and gluten free. However, the one brand I did end up buying had soy in it, which normally is not ideal but I used these for a neighborhood get together so the soy was ok. 
    • Cranberry sauce-I used the cranberry sauce from my leftover thanksgiving meal that is made with fresh cranberries. You can find the recipe here. You can also buy the store bought canned version kind. Just make sure it does not have any added sugar, especially if you are doing the whole30.
    • BBQ sauce-I love this brand. It is naturally paleo and whole30 friendly. 

    For The Scratch Made Meatball Recipe

    • Ground pork-I prefer pork over ground beef because the texture is better.
    • Almond flour-This acts as your binding agent. Not all gluten free flours are created equally, do not substitute. 
    • Egg yolk-I use the egg yolk vs. the whole egg because the meatballs become too soft and will not hold up in the crock pot if there is too much liquid, so stick with the yolk only!
    • Garlic, onion, pepper, and parsley-These ingredients are what gives this recipe the Italian meatball taste! You can substitute for your favorite Italian spices, these are just mine. 

    See the recipe card below for a full list ingredients and measurements.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • You can make this recipe using different cranberry sauce recipes and BBQ sauces to create different flavor combinations.
    • You can also add different herbs and citrus to change and enhance the flavors.
    • If you do not eat pork, you can substitute for ground turkey in your scratch made meatballs.

    This recipe has not been tested with any other substitutions or variations. If you try something else out please let me know how it turns out in the comments below!

    Step By Step Instructions

    Cranberry BBQ meatball ingredients in a crockpot base unmixed.

    Photo 1: First, put all ingredients into crockpot for 3 hours on low. Then, garnish with parsley and orange zest.

    Meatballs From Scratch

    First, mix all meatball ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

    Next, form 30 little small balls from the meat mixture and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Now,  cook the meatballs at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. 

    Keep in mind they do not need to be cooked all of the way through because they are going to cook a little more in the crockpot. 

    Lastly, add the sauces and meatballs to the crockpot and cook for 3 hours on low.

    Expert Tips

    • Tip #1: Be sure to make sure to mix the meatballs before serving to ensure that the cranberry and BBQ sauces are mixed together in a cohesive sauce.
    • Tip #2: Making the meatballs from scratch allows you control of the ingredients and measurements of seasonings in the meat.
    • Tip #3: The best way to know if the meatballs are cooked through is if a meat thermometer shows that the internal temperature reads 160 degrees F.

    Recipe FAQs

    How can I reheat these meatballs?

    You can reheat them on the stovetop with all of the juices for 5 minutes OR you can reheat them in the crockpot on the warm setting for 30 minutes.

    How can I serve these meatballs?

    You can serve these as an appetizer with toothpicks in the meatballs on a platter or you serve them all in a large serving bowl! Both are a Thanksgiving crowd pleaser.

    Is there additional prep I can do in advance?

    If you are making the meatballs from scratch, you can make the recipe in bulk in advance and freeze them. This way anytime you want scratch made meatballs you can grab the amount you need from the freezer!

    What Can I Serve This With?

    I love to serve these with my Whole30 Mashed Potatoes, Vegan Sweet Potato Mash, and Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate.

    Cranberry BBQ Meatballs on a pink plate and garnished with fresh herbs.

    Storage Instructions

    • This recipe can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
    • If you want to save prep time, you could pre-make the meatballs from scratch and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Other Gluten Free Meatball Recipes You Will Love

    • Gluten free meatballs on a white plate covered in red sauce and parsley.
      The Best Gluten Free Meatballs
    • 1 1 scaled
      Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs (Paleo, Whole30)
    • buffalo chicken meatballs stacked on top of each other with whole30 ranch and parsley
      Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
    • close up of one meatball
      Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs (Paleo, Whole30)

    Are you interested in a list of my go to healthy alternatives?

    Download your FREE guide below

    download here
    Cranberry BBQ Meatballs 4

    Paleo Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 3 hours hours
    Total Time 3 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 30 meatballs
    Author Allianna Moximchalk
    35kcal
    Cost $7
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Equipment

    • crockpot

    Ingredients

    For the meatballs:

    • 2 cups cranberry sauce If you are on the Whole30, be sure the sauce had no added sweeteners. This recipe is intended to be used for post thanksgiving leftover cranberry sauce OR canned, however, I do have a scratch cranberry sauce you can make. Click on the link for my cranberry recipe or see the text above.
    • 3 cups bbq sauce I like the noble made classic BBQ brand. It is naturally whole30 compliant.
    • 30 frozen meatballs This recipe is intended to be quick! If you would prefer to make your own meatballs, see the recipe below.

    To garnish:

    • 1/4 cup fresh parsley
    • orange zest

    For the fresh meatballs:

    • 1 pound ground pork
    • 1/2 cup diced onion
    • 1 yolk egg
    • 1/4 cup almond flour
    • 5 cloves garlic
    • 1 tsp black pepper
    • 1/2 cup fresh parsley

    Instructions

    For the pre made frozen meatballs:

    • Place all ingredients in a crockpot on low for 3 hours.

    For the fresh meatball version:

    • Preheat the oven to 400.
    • Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
    • Roll the meatballs into 30 little balls.
    • Bake for 15 minutes (remember they do not have to be cooked through because they will be going in the crockpot.)
    • Place the BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce in the crockpot on low for 3 hours.

    To garnish:

    • Garnish with orange zest or fresh parsley.

    Notes

    Storage: This recipe can be stored in an airtight glass container for 5 days in the refrigerator.
    Nutrition: The nutrition for this recipe is an estimate and the calorie count is not guaranteed.  It is based on six servings. 
    Servings: This recipe should yield approximately 6 servings.
    The perfect combination between sweet, spicy, and tart. These crowd pleasing meatballs are perfect for all of your holiday and hosting needs.
    Serving: 5meatballs | Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 114IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag me on instagram @alliannaskitchen!

    More Delicious Paleo & AIP Appetizers

    • Stuffed mushrooms on a brown and white plate with fresh parsley on top.
      Gluten-Free Stuffed Mushrooms
    • Roasted grapes on a ruffled off white plate.
      Roasted Grapes
    • Pretty french onion dip in a silver bowl with potato chips and chives on top.
      Vegan French Onion Dip Recipe
    • Close up photo of pesto orzo salad in a blue bowl with tomatoes and pine nuts on top.
      Pesto Orzo Salad

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lori says

      February 18, 2022 at 2:19 pm

      5 stars
      So good! I love the sweet and savory flavors. Such a good appetizer for a crowd

      Reply
      • Allianna Moximchalk says

        February 18, 2022 at 2:30 pm

        Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    2. Keith H says

      December 26, 2020 at 12:59 am

      5 stars
      Excellent Meatballs Allianna ! I wasn’t quite sure how good these would be but, once I tasted them, loved them ! Thank you for sharing !

      Reply
      • allianna says

        December 26, 2020 at 10:13 pm

        Thank you so much, Keith!

        Reply
    3. allianna says

      December 17, 2020 at 4:43 pm

      You are welcome!

      Reply
    4. Marissa says

      December 17, 2020 at 2:14 am

      5 stars
      These were so easy to make in the crockpot and everyone loved them! I will definitely make them again.

      Reply
      • allianna says

        December 17, 2020 at 4:43 pm

        Thank you so much Marissa! I am glad you enjoyed them.

        Reply
    5. joker says

      December 14, 2020 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      I think that is among the such a lot significant information for me. Trudi Arch Trabue

      Reply
    6. john wick says

      December 10, 2020 at 3:58 pm

      5 stars
      Great article! We are linking to this great post on our site. Keep up the great writing. Francene Ryon Sauer

      Reply
      • allianna says

        December 10, 2020 at 11:31 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
    5 from 5 votes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Allianna Headshots

    Hi, I'm Allianna! Allianna's Kitchen started by accident after battling an undiagnosed autoimmune disease for nearly my whole life.

    More about me →

    GLUTEN FREE DINNER RECIPES

    • steak date night dinner 1
      Steak Date Night Dinner with Garlic Aioli
    • gluten free fried shrimp 3 scaled
      Gluten Free Fried Shrimp
    • cooked frozen pork chops with chives on top on a white plate with a gold fork
      Easy Frozen Pork Chops In The Air Fryer
    • halibut fish tacos on a pale blue plate
      Halibut Fish Tacos

    EASY WHOLE30 RECIPES

    • Beetroot dip on a plate with crackers and fresh parsley on top.
      Simple Beetroot Dip Recipe
    • close up photo of ginger apple pork in a bowl
      Apple Ginger Pulled Pork
    • dairy free lobster bisque in a bowl with a gold spoon and garnished with lemon, fresh green herbs, and red pepper flakes.
      Dairy Free Lobster Bisque
    • juicy filet mignon on a plate
      Air Fryer Filet Mignon

    GLUTEN FREE APPETIZERS

    • peanut butter and jelly chicken wings on a plate with limes
      Peanut Butter And Jelly Wings
    • Stuffed mushrooms on a brown and white plate with fresh parsley on top.
      Gluten-Free Stuffed Mushrooms
    • Gluten free pigs in a blanket in a pile on a plate.
      Gluten Free Pigs In A Blanket
    • Pretty french onion dip in a silver bowl with potato chips and chives on top.
      Vegan French Onion Dip Recipe

    EASY MOCKTAIL RECIPES

    • honey simple syrup 2
      Honey Simple Syrup
    • orange lime cranberry mocktail 4
      Cranberry Mocktail Recipe
    • Clear glass with a brown drink and a cinnamon stick in it.
      Pear Cocktail Recipe
    • Grapefruit mocktail in a glass with jalapeño slice and grapefruit slice.
      Easy Grapefruit Mocktail Recipe

    Footer

    • Recipes
    • My Courses
    • Meal Prep Services
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Blog
    • Privacy Policy
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Allianna’s Kitchen 2025 - All Rights Reserved

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.