There’s something magical about the holidays that transforms homes into warm, inviting spaces filled with the delicious aromas of festive recipes. One dish that never fails to impress during holiday gatherings is cranberry meatballs. They combine the savory goodness of ground beef or turkey with the sweet and tangy taste of cranberry sauce, resulting in a unique and tasty appetizer that’s perfect for Christmas celebrations. These meatballs are not only easy to whip up but also become an instant favorite, making them a go-to recipe for holiday parties and family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas cranberry meatballs are a true crowd-pleaser! They’re quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and can be made ahead of time. Plus, with their mouthwatering glaze, they provide that comforting taste of the holidays that everyone craves. Imagine serving these beauties to your family and friends—each bite bursting with flavor!
"These meatballs were the hit of our Christmas party! So easy to make and everyone loved the sweet and savory combo!"
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Creating these delightful meatballs requires just a few simple steps. The combination of fresh ingredients and the rich cranberry glaze makes them an easy yet impressive dish. Below are the key ingredients you’ll need to gather for prepping this flavorful holiday treat.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Need to make substitutions? If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work just as well. For a healthier twist, try ground chicken or veggie meat substitutes!
Directions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about an inch in diameter and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Drizzle the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they are coated.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Serve warm as delightful appetizers to impress your guests at holiday gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry meatballs shine as appetizers, but they can also be paired beautifully with various sides. Consider serving them alongside a fresh green salad or some buttery mashed potatoes for a cozy meal. For a bit of crunch, try adding some tortilla chips or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Storage & Reheating
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Just place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last up to three months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Pro Tips
For the best results, ensure your meatballs are formed consistently so that they bake evenly. Adding some grated cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce extra flavor and a delightful kick. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs for a unique taste!
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to match your taste! Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. You can also try substituting the cranberry sauce with barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile. If you like spice, adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper can elevate your meatballs.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare them a day before, refrigerate, and simply bake them right before your gathering.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
A: Crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice can serve as a suitable substitute for breadcrumbs.
Q: Are these meatballs gluten-free?
A: You can easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- How to make meatballs
- Easy holiday appetizers
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Description
Savory meatballs infused with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about an inch in diameter and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Drizzle the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they are coated.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Serve warm as delightful appetizers to impress your guests at holiday gatherings.
Notes
Make ahead by preparing a day in advance and refrigerating, then bake before serving. Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg