Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors all in one bite? Amylu Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs are a game-changer. These fully cooked chicken meatballs, infused with the perfect blend of tart cranberries and mild jalapeno heat, make entertaining effortless.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, game day gathering, or just want a quick dinner idea, this recipe shows you exactly how to turn a package of Amylu meatballs into a restaurant-worthy dish in under 20 minutes.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Where to buy Amylu Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs
- How to cook them using stovetop, oven, or slow cooker
- A delicious homemade cranberry glaze recipe
- Creative serving ideas for holidays, parties, and weeknight meals
Let’s dive into the ultimate Amylu Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs recipe that will make you the star of any get-together.
What Are Amylu Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs?
Amylu Foods is known for its all-natural, fully cooked chicken sausages and meatballs. The Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs are made with antibiotic-free chicken, real cranberries, and fresh jalapenos. They’re gluten-free, free of artificial ingredients, and high in protein.
Flavor profile:
- Sweetness: from cranberries
- Tanginess: slight, balancing the savory chicken
- Heat: mild kick from jalapenos – not overly spicy
- Texture: tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned
They’re sold at popular stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and select grocery chains, often in large resealable bags that make meal prep easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Amylu Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs Recipe
Here’s what you need for the Amylu Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs recipe with a sticky, flavorful glaze:
- 1 (24-oz) package Amylu Cranberry Jalapeno Chicken Meatballs (about 40 meatballs)
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- ½ cup chili sauce (or ketchup for a sweeter glaze)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Optional: sliced fresh jalapenos or dried cranberries for garnish
Tip: If you prefer a spicier version, add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
How to Cook Amylu Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs
Since Amylu meatballs are fully cooked, your job is simply to heat them through and coat them with the delicious glaze. Here are three easy methods:
1. Stovetop (Quick & Easy)
This method is perfect when you need appetizers fast.
- In a large skillet, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and starts bubbling.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
2. Oven-Baked (Great for Large Batches)
Perfect for parties when you want hands-off cooking.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until hot.
- Meanwhile, prepare the glaze on the stovetop.
- Toss baked meatballs with the hot glaze and serve.
3. Slow Cooker (Party-Perfect)
Ideal for keeping meatballs warm during events.
- Whisk together cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and seasonings in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth.
- Pour glaze into a slow cooker.
- Add meatballs and stir to coat.
- Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1–1.5 hours, stirring once or twice.
Homemade Cranberry Glaze Recipe
Want to skip bottled sauces? Here’s a quick from-scratch glaze that’s tangy, fresh, and flavorful:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- Pinch of salt
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook until cranberries burst and sauce thickens (about 8–10 minutes).
- Blend or mash slightly for a smoother texture.
- Toss with hot meatballs before serving.
Serving Suggestions
There are endless ways to serve these sweet-and-spicy meatballs:
- As an appetizer: Stick toothpicks in each meatball and serve on a platter.
- Over rice or quinoa: Turn them into a quick weeknight dinner.
- In sliders: Add to small buns with cream cheese or goat cheese for a holiday sandwich.
- On a charcuterie board: Pair with cheese cubes, crackers, and pickled vegetables.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about Amylu Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs is how easy they are to prep ahead.
- Refrigerator: Store cooked, glazed meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freezer: Freeze meatballs (with or without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently.
- Slow Cooker Hack: If serving at a party, keep them on the WARM setting for up to 4 hours.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes
- ✅ Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples
- ✅ Perfect for Parties: Always a crowd-pleaser
- ✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep or events
- ✅ Naturally Gluten-Free: A safe option for most guests
Nutrition Information (Approx. per 4 Meatballs)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
(Exact nutrition may vary depending on sauce ingredients and portion size.)
Final Thoughts
This Amylu Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, a holiday side dish, or a quick family dinner, they’re guaranteed to impress.
The sweet-tart cranberries, subtle jalapeno heat, and juicy chicken meatballs create a mouthwatering bite that everyone will love. Make a batch for your next gathering and watch them disappear in minutes!