Go Back
–+ servings
Smoked meatballs and sausages on a tooth pick with cranberry bourbon bbq sauce
Print Pin

Cranberry Bourbon Twigs & Berries

Some recipes are fancy. Some recipes are nostalgic. And then there are recipes like Twigs & Berries—the kind that show up to a party, steal the spotlight, and disappear faster than you can grab a second toothpick.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine BBQ
Keyword Holiday appetizer, Meatballs
Servings 12
Calories 342kcal

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!

Notes

🔄 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.
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.

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 431mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg