Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the ultimate holiday appetizer, combining the savory richness of meatballs with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce. These delightful bites are easy to prepare and are sure to impress your guests with their vibrant flavor and festive presentation. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a comforting dish to enjoy, these meatballs bring a unique twist to traditional recipes that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250
- Protein: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 400 mg
Why Make This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are as delicious as they are beautiful, making them a perfect addition to your holiday spread. The sweet and tangy cranberry glaze perfectly complements the savory meatballs, creating a harmonious blend of flavors with every bite. They are not only easy to make but also quick to disappear, making them an ideal party food. Plus, their vibrant red color adds a festive touch to any table setting, enhancing the joy of the season.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is essential to ensure the meatballs cook evenly and develop a lovely golden brown on the outside.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, making sure not to over-mix to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 3: Shaping
Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. This size allows for even cooking and makes them perfect for popping into your mouth.
Step 4: Baking
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 5: Glazing
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of cranberry sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Heat this mixture until warm and combined.
Step 6: Tossing
Once the meatballs are done baking, toss them in the warm cranberry glaze, ensuring they are well-coated for maximum flavor.
Step 7: Serving
Serve these warm as a lovely appetizer. Enjoy the savory aroma of baked meatballs mingling with the sweet fragrance of cranberry as your guests savor their first bite.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
These meatballs are best served warm on a festive platter, garnished with fresh herbs or cranberries for an extra touch of holiday cheer. They can be accompanied by toothpicks for easy serving, making them a hassle-free option for gatherings. Pair them with a side of garlic bread or a light salad to balance the meal.
How to Store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Ensure Moisture: Add a little extra cranberry sauce to the meat mixture if you prefer moist meatballs.
- Mix Carefully: Over-mixing can lead to denser meatballs, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Test Cooking: Always test one meatball to ensure proper seasoning before baking the entire batch.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to add spices like onion powder or Italian seasoning to elevate the flavor profile.
- Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference.
Delicious Variations
- Turkey Cranberry Meatballs: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu and ensure the breadcrumbs are vegan for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- Herbed Meatballs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the mix for added freshness and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and bake them a day in advance. Just reheat them in the glaze before serving. -
Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
Absolutely, frozen meatballs work well. Just ensure to heat them thoroughly and coat them in the cranberry glaze. -
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair perfectly with an assortment of appetizers like cheese platters, or alongside a refreshing salad to balance the meal. -
Is there a substitute for breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed crackers or oats as a great alternative to breadcrumbs. -
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and should be no longer pink in the center.
Conclusion
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a flavorful, festive addition to your holiday celebrations. With their beautiful appearance and delicious taste, they are bound to be a hit with family and friends alike. The warm, inviting aroma of these meatballs will fill your home with the spirit of the holiday season. So gather your ingredients and get cooking; this delightful dish is sure to become a cherished tradition in your holiday repertoire!
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Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A festive appetizer combining savory meatballs with tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon 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 ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Heat until warm and combined.
- Toss baked meatballs in the warm cranberry glaze.
- Serve warm as an appetizer.
Notes
Best served with toothpicks and garnished with fresh herbs or cranberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
