Costco’s cranberry jalapeno meatballs are a quick, easy and delicious option for dinner or appetizers. The sweet and spicy flavor combination makes them a crowd pleaser. But what are the best side dishes and drinks to serve with cranberry jalapeno meatballs? Here are some quick answers to help you pull together a tasty meal featuring this fun and flavorful Costco find.
Quick Answers
– Best sides: mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, roasted veggies
– Best drinks: craft beer, white wine, sparkling wine, cranberry juice
– Complementary flavors: sweet, savory, spicy, tangy, creamy
– Go-to spices: thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic, onion, pepper
– Easy serving ideas: meatball sliders, meatballs over pasta, meatball skewers
Popular Sides to Serve with Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect complement to Costco’s cranberry jalapeno meatballs. The mild flavor soaks up the sweet and spicy juices from the meatballs. Potatoes are filling and provide a nice contrast to the soft texture of the meatballs. Lightly seasoned mashed potatoes allow the flavors of the meatballs to really shine.
Mashed Potato Recipes
| Recipe | Prep Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Mashed Potatoes | 10 mins | 30 mins |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | 10 mins | 30 mins |
| Loaded Baked Potato Mash | 15 mins | 45 mins |
Rice
Fluffy white or brown rice complements cranberry jalapeno meatballs beautifully. The mild flavor and texture of rice soaks up the sweet and spicy sauce from the meatballs. Try going with plain rice to let the meatballs be the star or jazz it up with herbs and spices. Rice is easy to make in bulk to feed a crowd.
Some easy rice side ideas include:
– Plain white or brown rice
– Cilantro lime rice
– Coconut rice
– Vegetable fried rice
Pasta
A big bowl of pasta is a satisfying pairing with cranberry jalapeno meatballs. The meatballs can be served over top of pasta tossed with a little olive oil or butter. Or go for a more elaborate cream or tomato-based pasta sauce. Pasta is an easy crowd pleaser that will soak up all the delicious flavors. Consider pastas like:
– Penne
– Bowtie
– Spaghetti
– Linguine
– Fettuccine
Bread
Some type of bread is a must for sopping up the yummy sauce from Costco’s cranberry jalapeno meatballs. Bread also provides a neutral base that won’t compete with the pronounced flavors of the meatballs.
Try serving:
– Dinner rolls
– Garlic bread
– Focaccia
– Corn bread
– Pita or naan
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts or asparagus make a fresh, colorful side for cranberry jalapeno meatballs. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness which pairs perfectly with the sweet-spicy meatballs. Roasted veggies add nutrition and texture variety.
Easy Roasted Veggie Recipes
| Vegetable | Prep Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Broccoli | 10 mins | 20 mins |
| Roasted Carrots | 10 mins | 30 mins |
| Roasted Cauliflower | 5 mins | 35 mins |
Best Drinks to Pair with Meatballs
The flavors of cranberry and jalapeno lend themselves to pairing beautifully with certain beverages. Here are some tasty drink ideas to complement your cranberry jalapeno meatballs:
Craft Beer
A hoppy IPA or wheat beer works well with the intense flavors of the meatballs. The carbonation and slight bitterness help cut through the richness. Try beers like:
– IPA
– Witbier
– Hefeweizen
– Amber Ale
– Pale Ale
White Wine
Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio have bright acidity that offsets the heat of the jalapenos. The light fruitiness pairs nicely with the sweetness of the cranberry glaze. Other options include:
– Chardonnay
– Riesling
– Pinot Blanc
– Gruner Veltliner
Sparkling Wine
The effervescence and crisp acidity of sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava or Champagne cut through the rich meatballs. Bubbles also help tame spicy heat. Serve as a fun twist on typical wine pairings.
Cranberry Juice
For an alcohol-free option, you can’t go wrong with tart and tangy cranberry juice. It will complement the cranberry flavors in the meatballs. Look for 100% cranberry juice without added sugar. Combine with seltzer or club soda for a fizzy cranberry spritzer.
Spices and Flavors that Complement Cranberry Jalapeno
Certain spices and flavor combinations will enhance the cranberry and jalapeno tones in Costco’s meatballs. Consider incorporating these as you choose side dishes, drinks and desserts:
Sweet
Play up the sweetness of the cranberry glaze with sides like:
– Honey glazed carrots
– Maple roasted sweet potatoes
– Baked apples
Savory
Savory flavors balance out the pronounced sweetness. Try:
– Rosemary roasted potatoes
– Parmesan risotto
– Garlic bread
Spicy
A little extra heat complements the spiciness from the jalapenos. Add some heat with:
– Chili flakes
– Hot sauce
– Spicy BBQ sauce
– Spicy beer or wine
Tangy
Bright, acidic flavors help cut through the rich meatballs. Opt for:
– Greek yogurt dip
– Lemon bars
– Sangria
Creamy
The richness of creamy dishes contrasts with the meatballs. Ideas include:
– Creamed spinach
– Mashed potatoes
– Cheesecake
Helpful Seasonings and Herbs
In addition to dishes and drinks with complementary flavors, you can incorporate seasoning that accentuate the meatballs. Consider using:
Herbs
– Thyme
– Rosemary
– Oregano
– Cilantro
– Basil
– Sage
Spices and Seasonings
– Garlic
– Onion
– Black pepper
– Chili powder
– Paprika
– Cayenne pepper
These herbs and spices will enhance the cranberry jalapeno flavor without overpowering it. Use them when roasting veggies, cooking grains or making sauces and dips.
Easy Serving Ideas
Costco’s cranberry jalapeno meatballs lend themselves to a variety of easy serving ideas. Consider:
Meatball Sliders
Top mini buns with meatballs, arugula and a tangy dressing for bite-sized sliders.
Over Pasta
Toss meatballs with hot pasta and Parmesan for a quick, tasty meal.
Meatball Skewers
Alternate meatballs and veggies on skewers for fun appetizers or dinner.
In Subs/Hoagies
Pile meatballs with melted provolone on sub rolls for Italian-style sandwiches.
In Soups
Add meatballs to soups like minestrone or tortellini soup.
With Dipping Sauces
Offer meatballs alongside dipping sauces like ranch, bbq, teriyaki or yogurt dips.
On Pizza
Use meatballs as a unique pizza topping in place of sausage or pepperoni.
The possibilities are endless for enjoying cranberry jalapeno meatballs! With a variety of complementary sides, seasonings and serving methods, you can create the perfect meal or appetizer featuring this unique and flavorful Costco find.
Conclusion
Costco’s pre-made cranberry jalapeno meatballs have a sweet and spicy flavor that pairs well with starchy sides like mashed potatoes, rice or pasta. Baked breads work nicely to soak up the sauce. For veggies, try roasted options like broccoli or carrots. Drinks that cut through the richness include craft beer, white wine and sparkling wines. Seasonings like thyme, garlic and oregano enhance the meatball flavor. And the meatballs can be served in everything from sliders to pastas for easy meal ideas. With a balance of complementary flavors and textures, you can enjoy a delicious meal featuring Costco’s signature cranberry jalapeno meatballs.