When making cranberry jalapeno meatballs, it can be hard to decide on the perfect sauce that will complement the flavors of these delicious and spicy bites.
After all, you want something that compliments the unique combination of sweet and spicy flavors without overwhelming them.
Fortunately, there are tons of sauces out there that work perfectly with this dish.
Sweet and spicy, these bite-sized morsels are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And the best part is that they’re adaptable – you can choose from a variety of sauces to pair with them!
Here are 22 incredible sauces that will take your cranberry jalapeno meatballs from good to great.
22 Perfect Sauces for Amylu Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs Must Try
1. Cranberry Sauce
It’s no surprise that cranberry sauce pairs well with these meatballs!
Cranberries provide a tart sweetness that complements the spiciness of the jalapenos perfectly.
You can use store-bought cranberry sauce or make your own by simmering fresh or frozen cranberries in sugar and orange juice until thickened.
Another variation is to add chopped apples or oranges for an extra burst of flavor!
2. Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is one of the most well-known sauces in the world, and it pairs perfectly with cranberry jalapeno meatballs.
Barbeque sauce goes great with almost anything, and it adds just the proper amount of sweetness to the cranberries and smokiness or the heat of the jalapenos.
The best part is- It is easy to make from scratch or buy pre-made at the store.
For a classic barbeque sauce, mix ketchup, brown sugar or honey, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika together in a small pot over low heat until it is thickened.
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Whether you prefer a classic tomato-based barbecue sauce or a sweeter, honey-based variety, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
3. Chinese Hoisin Sauce With Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs
Hoisin sauce is a thick Chinese condiment made from soybeans, garlic, chili peppers, vinegar, and other ingredients.
Hoisin sauce is used in many recipes, such as stir-fries and dipping sauces. This tangy and slightly sweet sauce has a smoky flavor that complements the spiciness of the jalapenos in your meatballs perfectly.
Plus, hoisin sauce is incredibly easy to find in any grocery store.
Or make your own —To make hoisin sauce at home, combine soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar or honey, sesame oil, garlic cloves, ginger root or paste, five-spice powder (optional), and cornstarch in a blender until smooth.
4. Teriyaki Sauce
Another excellent option for cranberry jalapeno meatballs is teriyaki sauce. This Japanese condiment adds a sweet and savory flavor to any dish it’s added to.
It pairs perfectly with the sweet-tangy flavor of cranberries and the heat of jalapenos.
The sweetness helps to balance out the spice from the jalapenos while also adding depth and complexity to each bite. It’s also super easy to find in any grocery store or online marketplace!
This flavorful Asian-inspired sauce is made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, and it complements the flavors of cranberry jalapeno meatballs beautifully.
You can quickly whip up a batch from scratch or buy teriyaki sauce at your local grocery store for convenience.
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5. Homemade buffalo sauce
Buffalo sauce usually has a tangy, spicy flavor that is both aromatic and slightly sweet. It is made from a blend of cayenne pepper, white vinegar, garlic powder, and butter.
The combination of these ingredients gives the sauce its unique flavor that is both bold and complex. Buffalo sauce can be used as a condiment for chicken, fish, and vegetables or even as a dip for chips and pretzels.
It is also used in many recipes to give dishes an extra kick of flavor. The heat level of buffalo sauce can vary depending on the amount of cayenne pepper or other spices used in its preparation.
Although the flavors are bold, they remain balanced and not overly spicy. The flavor of buffalo sauce is truly unique in its own way, and it is sure to add some heat to any dish.
Homemade buffalo sauce is surprisingly easy to make. All you need is some butter, hot sauce, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
Simply mix all the ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium heat until combined and bubbly.
Let the mixture chill for a few minutes before serving or storing.
You can enjoy this homemade buffalo sauce on wings, burgers, fries, hot dogs, and various other dishes. Plus, you can modify the flavors to your preference by adding more or less of each ingredient.
6. Sweet & Sour Sauce
Sweet & Sour Sauce is a tangy sauce that adds an unexpectedly sweet and sour flavor combination that goes well with the spicy kick of cranberry jalapeno meatballs.
It’s also incredibly simple to make from scratch using basic pantry ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, and sugar.
7. Honey Mustard Sauce
If you’re looking for something less traditional than barbecue or teriyaki but still want a delicious glaze for your cranberry jalapeno meatballs, try honey mustard!
This classic condiment is always a hit! Honey mustard is a sweet and tangy combo that is sure to be a blow to everyone at the table!
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The sweetness of the honey complements the tartness of the cranberries while mellowing out the spiciness of the jalapenos.
8. Garlic Aioli
For an extra flavorful yet subtle dip for your cranberry jalapeno meatballs, try garlic aioli!
It’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch using mayonnaise, garlic cloves, and fresh lemon juice – plus, it goes great with pretty much anything!
9. Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is a popular condiment for sandwiches and salads. Its creamy, tangy flavor makes it a favorite among many.
Traditional ranch dressing is made from mayonnaise, buttermilk, and herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. Spices like onion and garlic powder are added for extra flavor. It can also be made with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Ranch dressing is an excellent addition to salads and even crudite platters. It’s also used as a dip for vegetables, chips, and pretzels.
Ranch dressing pairs well with grilled chicken, fish tacos, buffalo wings, and pizza. Use it as an ingredient in casseroles, macaroni, cheese, or potato salad. It even works as a marinade for meat.
10. Cocktail Sauce
The cocktail sauce has long been a popular condiment for seafood dishes. Still, it also pairs nicely with other types of food as well – including cranberry jalapeno meatballs!
The sweet spiciness of this tomato-based condiment helps bring out the flavor of these unique little bites while still adding its own unique flavor profile!
11. Marinara Sauce
If you’ve got some jarred marinara lying around in your pantry this holiday season, then why not put it to use?
The bright acidity of marinara pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cranberries in these scrumptious little morsels – plus, it’s so quick and easy to whip up (especially if you use pre-made marinara).
12. Pesto
Italian Pesto is another one of those sauces that blend well with almost anything – including cranberry jalapeno meatballs!
Its creamy texture helps tame down some of the heat from these little guys while still enhancing their flavors without overpowering them too much!
It has a fresh garlicky flavor that will complement any dish without dominating it. It makes an excellent dip for these flavorful meatballs!
Additionally, pesto is super easy to make yourself at home (or you can buy pre-made versions too!)
13. Hot Mustard Sauce
If you want something with more kick than honey mustard but not quite as intense as cocktail sauce, then hot mustard makes a great alternative!
Its bold flavor will add just enough spice without overwhelming your tastebuds – plus, it is quick and simple to prepare, which makes it ideal for busy holiday entertaining!
14. White Wine Cream Sauce
For something totally different, like out-of-the-box yet just as delicious, try white wine cream sauce!
Its rich creaminess brings out all the best flavors in these savory little balls while its subtle acidity helps balance things out nicely – plus, this decadent dip looks beautiful on any platter, too, so don’t forget about presentation when serving up these yummy bites!
15. Orange Ginger Sauce
The orange ginger sauce is a tangy and sweet condiment that can be used to enhance the flavor of many dishes. It is made from freshly squeezed orange juice, ground ginger, garlic, honey, soy sauce, cider vinegar, and olive oil.
The flavors are well-balanced and complement each other perfectly in this tantalizing blend. Try it as a dipping sauce for fried foods such as chicken wings, tempura, or even French fries.
It’s also great as a glaze for grilled meats, vegetables, and fish. For an extra zip of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Enjoy this orange ginger sauce over your favorite dishes! It’s the perfect way to add a zing of flavor. Bon appétit!
16. Plum Sauce
This traditional Chinese condiment adds an exotic flavor to your meal. The slight sweetness works perfectly with these flavor-packed meatballs.
17. Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet chili sauce is a Thai staple made from red chilies, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and other spices. Its unique blend of sweetness and heat gives it a kick that’s sure to please any palate.
18. Chipotle Mayo
A creamy combination of mayonnaise and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce creates a rich flavor that packs a punch!
19. Horseradish Cream Sauce
If you like bold flavors, then this one is for you! It adds just enough zing without being too overwhelming or overpowering the other flavors in this dish.
20. Mango Chutney
Sweet mango chutney provides just enough sweetness to balance out the spiciness of this dish without making it too sugary or cloying.
21. Curry Sauce
If you’re feeling adventurous, then try serving your meatballs with curry sauce! The warm spice blend brings out all the flavors in this dish while adding an unexpected twist to traditional tastes.
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22. Sriracha Mayo
Sriracha mayo is a delicious condiment that is popular at many restaurants and increasingly becoming a pantry staple.
Its unique combination of bold flavors and creamy texture add zing to any dish. Combining the sweet, garlicky flavor of sriracha with the mild tanginess of mayonnaise makes for an unbeatable combination.
It’s a great touch on sandwiches and burgers, and it adds the perfect flavor to fried foods like tempura shrimp or chicken nuggets.
One of the advantages it has over other sauces is its versatility; sriracha mayo can just as easily bring out the flavors in fish tacos as it can be paired with a simple grilled cheese. All you require to do is add a few dollops of this delightful condiment!
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With so many options, there’s sure to be something for everyone when it comes to sauces for cranberry jalapeno meatballs!
Whether you choose one or all 22 of these incredible sauces to serve alongside your cranberry jalapeno meatball appetizer this holiday season, I guarantee they’ll be gone before you know it because they pair so deliciously together!
Just remember, not every guest likes intense spiciness, so offer up milder options, such as honey mustard or garlic aioli, alongside each platter so everyone can find something they enjoy eating while still enjoying all those incredible flavors together in one bite after another!
So go ahead: grab your favorite sauce (or two!) and get ready for some serious snacking! Happy Holidays everyone!!