Cranberry Bourbon Meatballs and Sausages AKA (Twigs & Berries)
If you need a cheap quick and easy one pan appetizer that will knock the stockings off the chimney (hung with care) then these cranberry bourbon Twigs and berries are the perfect recipe for you. Plus everyone gets a good chuckle out of saying twigs & Berries…If you know, you know.
This is a holiday twist on the classic tailgate appetizers using grape jelly and Chili sauce to smother meatballs and Lil Smoky Sausages. We just added some bourbon and cranberry to make it a little more festive.
One of the best things about this recipe is it all goes into one pan, no stress, no babysitting, Just a perfect appetizer that will disappear before you can say Happy Holidays!!
Ingredient List
- 22oz bag frozen meatballs
- 14oz bag Cocktail Sausages
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp hot honey
- 1/4 cup bbq sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 tbsp bbq dry rub
- Scallions to garnish
How to Make Twigs & Berries
- Add the frozen meatballs and cocktail sausages to a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or casserole dish.
- Pour in the cranberry sauce, hot honey, BBQ sauce, bourbon, and BBQ dry rub. Stir gently until everything is coated—no need to overthink it.
- Place the pan on your smoker and cook at 300°F for about 90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes. The sauce will tighten up, the sausages will plump, and everything will take on that subtle smoke flavor that makes this version stand out.
- Finish with a sprinkle of sliced scallions and serve warm with toothpicks.
- That’s it. Simple. Dangerous. Crowd-approved.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly forgiving, which makes it perfect for last-minute tweaks:
- No bourbon? Swap it for apple juice, cola, or chicken stock. You’ll still get great flavor without the booze.
- Like it spicier? Add crushed red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Different meat options: Beef, pork, turkey, or chicken meatballs all work. Smoked sausage coins can replace cocktail sausages if that’s what you’ve got.
- Sweet upgrade: Stir in a spoonful of orange marmalade or grape jelly for extra shine and sweetness.
- Dry rub swap: Use a holiday-style rub with cinnamon or clove, or go savory with something heavy on garlic and paprika.
Alternative Cooking Methods
No smoker? No problem. We got you covered
Oven: Bake uncovered at 300°F for 90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes.
Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours. Perfect for parties when you need it to stay warm.
Stovetop: Simmer gently over low heat for about 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t scorch.
Twigs & Berries is one of those recipes that doesn’t try too hard—but somehow always wins. If you make it, don’t be surprised when people ask for the recipe… or when the pan comes back empty.
More Tasty Appetizers
- Bang Bang Shrimp Dip
- Bang Bang Lobster Rangoon
- Crab Guacamole
- Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
- Smoked Cream Cheese
Cranberry Bourbon Twigs & Berries
Equipment
- 1 10 inch Cast Iron Pan or casserole dish
Ingredients
- 22 oz Frozen Meatballs Mini works best
- 14 oz Cocktail sausages aka (lil smokies)
- 1 can Cranberry Sauce
- 2 tbsp Hot Honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup Bourbon
- 1 tbsp BBQ Dry Rub
- 1/4 cup Scallions Garnish
Instructions
- Add the frozen meatballs and cocktail sausages to a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or casserole dish.
- Pour in the cranberry sauce, hot honey, BBQ sauce, bourbon, and BBQ dry rub. Stir gently until everything is coated—no need to overthink it.
- Place the pan on your smoker and cook at 300°F for about 90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes. The sauce will tighten up, the sausages will plump, and everything will take on that subtle smoke flavor that makes this version stand out.
- Finish with a sprinkle of sliced scallions and serve warm with toothpicks. That’s it. Simple. Dangerous.Santa Approved!