{"id":51697,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-09T00:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/cranberry-sauerkraut-meatballs\/"},"modified":"2024-11-13T14:21:20","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T20:21:20","slug":"cranberry-sauerkraut-meatballs","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/cranberry-sauerkraut-meatballs\/","title":{"rendered":"Cranberry Sauerkraut  Meatballs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<p>Whether you tote these to a tailgate party or potluck or serve them on a weekend night in, these cranberry sauerkraut meatballs are a breeze to make. They\u2019re also a fun autumn dish as this is the season of cranberry harvest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>If you have 15 minutes, you can make these. Most of the ingredients (such as a can of cranberry sauce and frozen meatballs) are store-bought so it\u2019s very easy to whip up. Dump them into a slow cooker for four to five hours and they\u2019re ready to eat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Cranberries are an excellent source of fiber and packed with antioxidants. Sauerkraut is also very nutritious as it contains vitamins C and K2, as well as probiotics to strengthen the gut.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Ingredients <\/strong><strong>for Sauerkraut Meatballs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cranberry Sauce:<\/strong> Whole cranberries and their sauce are sold in a 14-ounce can.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sauerkraut:<\/strong> Like the cranberry sauce, you\u2019ll find this in a 14-ounce can. Be sure to rinse and drain the sauerkraut well before folding into the recipe.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chili Sauce:<\/strong> This condiment is made from chili peppers, vinegar, salt and sugar.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brown Sugar:<\/strong> It\u2019s important to pack the recipe\u2019s prescribed amount tightly in a measuring cup so air pockets don\u2019t form.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Meatballs:<\/strong> We recommend using a package of frozen fully cooked meatballs to make this recipe even easier. You\u2019ll find these in the freezer section at grocers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Directions\u202f<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Step 1: Combine the five ingredients in a slow cooker<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2074524\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sauerkraut-Meatballs_TOHD24_45378_KristinaVanni_1.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Taste Recipes Sauerkraut Meatballs photo of combining the ingredients in a slow cooker.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">KRISTINA VANNI FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Add the cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, chili sauce and brown sugar to a 4-qt. slow cooker, mix well and\u00a0 stir in the meatballs.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s Tip:<\/em> While this recipe recommends the easy route for meatballs (use frozen pre-made), you can also make your own using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/quick-and-simple-meatballs\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/quick-and-simple-meatballs\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">our quick and simple meatballs recipe<\/a>. This is a great recipe for when you have the extra time\u2014then freeze for later!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3><b>Step 2: Cook\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2074525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sauerkraut-Meatballs_TOHD24_45378_KristinaVanni_2.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Taste Recipes Sauerkraut Meatballs photo of the cooked meatballs in the slow cooker.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">KRISTINA VANNI FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Cover the slow cooker and cook on low until heated through, for four to five hours.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Step 3: Top with chives and serve<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2074526\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sauerkraut-Meatballs_TOHD24_45378_KristinaVanni_3.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Taste Recipes Sauerkraut Meatballs photo of the cooked meatballs topped with chives.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">KRISTINA VANNI FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Mince fresh chives and top them onto the meatballs to serve.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2074528\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sauerkraut-Meatballs_TOHD24_45378_KristinaVanni_5.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Taste Recipes Sauerkraut Meatballs photo of the finished recipe.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">KRISTINA VANNI FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Sauerkraut Meatballs Variations<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Make these Italian:<\/strong> Use marinara sauce instead of cranberry and skip the sauerkraut. Another tweak is to chop fresh rosemary or oregano as the topping.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stuff the meatballs into a sandwich: <\/strong>Take a hoagie roll or large sourdough roll and add the meatballs and sauerkraut: you\u2019ve just made a sandwich!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>How to Store <\/strong><strong>Sauerkraut Meatballs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Everybody loves a recipe that you can make ahead of time and pop in the fridge or freezer until you need it. It\u2019s also easy to store leftovers, should you have any.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Can you freeze <\/strong><strong>Sauerkraut Meatballs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>As long as they are frozen in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container they will keep for three to four months.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How long does <\/strong><strong>Sauerkraut Meatballs last?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>If stored in the fridge and covered in an air-tight container, these should be eaten within three to four days.<\/p>\n<div>\n<h3><strong>Can you make Sauerkraut Meatballs ahead of time?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to make these ahead of time and then store in the fridge for 24 hours until you\u2019re ready to enjoy.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How do you reheat <\/strong><strong>Sauerkraut Meatballs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>The easiest way to reheat these is in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds at a high setting. Stick a fork or toothpick in the middle of each meatball to make sure it\u2019s heated all the way through. Or, reheat the recipe in a saucepan on medium to high heat until heated all the way through.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Sauerkraut Meatballs Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2074527\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sauerkraut-Meatballs_TOHD24_45378_KristinaVanni_4.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Taste Recipes Sauerkraut Meatballs photo of the finished recipe.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">KRISTINA VANNI FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Can I make these vegetarian?<\/b><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Absolutely! All you have to do is swap out the meatballs with meatless meatballs, which many grocers sell in their freezer section. Follow the rest of the recipe as-is.<\/p>\n<h3><b>What do I serve with these?<\/b><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Consider this dish your protein. What would pair well is a hot vegetable side or a starch, such as a baked potato that you can put in the oven while this dish is cooking in the slow cooker. In our collection of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/easy-dump-and-go-side-dishes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/easy-dump-and-go-side-dishes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">45 easy dump-and-go side dishes<\/a>, we recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/creamed-corn\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/creamed-corn\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">creamed corn with cream cheese<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/lemon-red-potatoes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/lemon-red-potatoes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">lemon red potatoes<\/a>. Both of these are also cooked in a slow cooker so you may need to make the side ahead of time if you don\u2019t have a second slow cooker.<\/p>\n<h3><b>How can I make these spicier?<\/b><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>That\u2019s easy! Just increase the amount of chili sauce to your liking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I tried these meatballs at a birthday party for a friend, and now I make them all the time. They are super easy to make and perfect for a potluck or a Sunday afternoon football game. \u2014Lisa Castelli, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8038,"featured_media":2107811,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304272,304032,307119,304423,304328,307133,304993,305487,304338,304515,307104,303966,304988,304408,304368,303887,306848,304268,307307,306279,304458,304558,324623,304078,304560,303883,307614],"categories-v2":[259484,308623,310169,308821,308988,308984,308481,310178,308940,310796,308992,308880,310155,308495,308935,308813,308745,308478,309603,259483,310342,312134,308865,308910,309177,308698,309004,308915,308476,310591],"coauthors":[343451],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Meatballs with Chimichurri 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Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/cranberry-appetizer-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Cranberry-Appetizer-Meatballs_EXPS_THD16_9252_07B_27_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Creamy Cranberry Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/creamy-cranberry-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps101696_HSC143552B07_29_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cranberry Beef Brisket","post_link":"\/recipes\/cranberry-beef-brisket\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cranberry Chicken Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/cranberry-chicken-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps19307_CW10259D36.jpg"},{"post_title":"Saucy Asian Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/saucy-asian-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps33933_TH143194B06_20_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Meaty Wild Rice Meatballs in Cranberry 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Tenderloin","post_link":"\/recipes\/cranberry-stuffed-beef-tenderloin\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Cranberry-Stuffed-Beef-Tenderloin_EXPS_TOHCA23_61545_P2_MD_07_29_2b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Saucy Cherry Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/saucy-cherry-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps22797__TH10523D60.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Cranberry-Sauerkraut--Meatballs_EXPS_TOHD24_45378_KristinaVanni_6.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/cranberry-sauerkraut-meatballs\/","name":"Cranberry Sauerkraut  Meatballs","datePublished":"2018-01-01","dateModified":"2024-09-23","prepTime":"PT15M","cookTime":"PT04H00M","totalTime":"PT04H15M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Cranberry-Sauerkraut-Meatballs_EXPS_TOHD24_45378_KristinaVanni_6.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Appetizers"],"description":"Cranberry sauerkraut meatballs are the perfect fall dish with seasonal ingredients\u2014and it\u2019s super easy to mak","recipeIngredient":["1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce","1 can (14 ounces) sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained","1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce","3\/4 cup packed brown sugar","1 package (32 ounces) frozen fully cooked home-style meatballs, thawed","Minced chives, optional"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"In a 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, chili sauce and brown sugar. Stir in meatballs. Cover and cook on low until heated through, 4-5 hours. If desired, top with chives to serve."}],"recipeYield":"about 5 dozen","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Kristine Hansen"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 76 calories","fatContent":"4g fat (2g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"6mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"250mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"8g carbohydrate (6g sugars","fiberContent":"0 fiber)","proteinContent":"2g protein. "},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.7,"reviewCount":20,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2023-12-21","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Tina0971"},"reviewBody":"<p>I had this recipe at a square dancing party and absolutely loved it, I got the recipe and I am planning on making it just for us at home. Can anyone suggest what would be a good item to serve with it? Something like pasta or rice or potatoes something so that it makes it more of a meal. So any suggestions please let me know. I would appreciate it. Thank you.<\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2023-02-11","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Dawn208"},"reviewBody":"<p>My household loves this meal! You do not have to unthaw the meatballs, they are precooked and cooking with the ingredients for 4 hours they tasted amazing! <\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2024-12-23","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Deb429"},"reviewBody":"<p>I\u2019ve made these several times for my husband and have shared the recipe over and over again. I added Craisens to the crockpot and cooked it on low for the whole day and it came out great. Today I plan to make it for someone who doesn't eat beef so I\u2019m using turkey meatballs. I serve mine over rice most of the time although I love some of the ideas I\u2019m reading in the reviews.<\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-09-14","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"joycerm53"},"reviewBody":"Delicious!! I also double everything except the sauerkraut as other reviewers have said.  Great potluck dinner dish. Even people who say they do not like sauerkraut, like this dish. Joyce Moynihan, Volunteer Field Editor.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2021-01-03","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"BobbysChicagoBAbe"},"reviewBody":"My daughter and I liked it, my husband said it tasted too bar be cuey. Oh well, at least they didn't know about the sauerkraut! LOL! WIll save to make for a larger crowd.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2019-11-10","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"KFitzhugh"},"reviewBody":"As another reviewer suggested, you can double the meatballs and sauce but keep the SK the same, and you'll be happy.  I did so.  And, it should go without saying that you don't need to thaw the frozen meatballs for a dish which is cooking for hours!  Iv'e made twice, and there was ZERO difference between frozen and thawed meatballs (same brand).   I did, however, think it was much better with more meatballs ratio.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-01-03","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"bridgetc2"},"reviewBody":"Very tasty.  If you don't like sauerkraut, don't let it deter you from trying these, you'll forget sauerkraut is even in there.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2016-01-17","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Jillmcjazz"},"reviewBody":"I usually double everything in this recipe except the sauerkraut (I use only 14 oz) and these meatballs have become a family favorite.  So easy to make.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-08-06","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"ivorykeys"},"reviewBody":"These have an amazing taste! So easy and fast to prepare the crockpot........great for getting it in the crockpot before work. I use this as a dinner meat not just an appetizer.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2019-10-27","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Melissa Davidson","givenName":"Melissa","familyName":"Davidson"},"reviewBody":"Best meatball recipe. I get requests to make these all the time","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2012-01-08","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"DarleneT"},"reviewBody":"I made this recipe many, many years ago (maybe 30 years ago) when it was first featured in \"Farm Wife News\".  My family could not figure out the stringy ingrediant (sauerkraut) but once they did realize that was the end of serving it again.  It has been a reason to recall & chuckle for many years ~ but I was dicouraged from preparing it again.  I thought it was a wonderful combination of flavors, however.  I  may have to try it out again.  Maybe their taste buds have matured. :-)","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2010-12-29","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"callablossom"},"reviewBody":"These are the best meatballs I've ever tasted.  I forgot to add the brown sugar and didn't miss it.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2012-01-08","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"mogardener"},"reviewBody":"This recipe is delicious and sooo easy! I always use the frozen meatballs that are ANGUS. They are 1000% better than just the plain ones that taste like they are full of fillers.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-09-15","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"mrappoldt"},"reviewBody":"Good and so easy.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2013-01-21","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"ivonsmom"},"reviewBody":"I've had this receipe for years.  I make my own meatballs with ground turkey and it tastes great and a little healthier.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-10-07","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Paminspringfield"},"reviewBody":"Took the meatballs to a potluck dinner and received several compliments.  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