As a cocktail-party enthusiast, I love a good appetizer. During the hours of gabbing over drinks and bubbly, there’s nothing I enjoy more than a delicious bite to complement the moment. Complement is the keyword here. The best appetizers are packed with flavor despite their tiny size and are easy to eat in one bite, so you can continue enjoying the party. With that said, few appetizers rise to the occasion like cocktail meatballs. Compact and drenched in flavor, they’re the ultimate party morsel.

One reason this dish has stood the test of time is because it is well-balanced. The sauce is the perfect balance between sweet and tangy to go with the herbaceous flavors of the meat. It’s also got just the right amount of thickness to stick to the meatball without being too sticky—making it a mess-free bite ideal for cocktail parties.

There are lots of ways to make cocktail meatballs, but this recipe is unique. Instead of using jellies, it incorporates fresh cranberries to make the tart flavors of the sauce more pronounced and vibrant. Beyond that, it includes staple ingredients you can find in your pantry and is incredibly easy to make. With Christmas in the rearview, you’re probably looking for a standout appetizer for New Year’s Eve. If so, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed, and neither will your guests.