Looking for a delightful dish to add to your holiday table? Look no further! Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors that will impress your family and friends. These meatballs are easy to make and are perfect for gatherings, parties, or cozy nights at home.

Why make this recipe

Making Christmas Cranberry Meatballs is a fantastic idea for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a great option for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Second, their unique flavor combination of tart cranberry and savory meat makes them a standout dish during the festive season. Lastly, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones during the holidays.

How to prepare Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Preparing Christmas Cranberry Meatballs is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these steps to create this festive dish.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Steps:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
In a separate bowl, mix together cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce.
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Serve warm and enjoy!

How to serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

These meatballs are best served warm. You can place them on a festive platter and garnish them with additional parsley for a pop of color. They also pair well with toothpicks for easy serving during parties. Feel free to serve them alongside mashed potatoes or over rice for a hearty meal.

How to store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs perfectly

Be sure to mix the meatball ingredients gently to keep them tender.
Use fresh parsley for a brighter flavor.
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variations

Feel free to switch out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also experiment with different sauces, like using sweet chili sauce instead of barbecue for a different flavor profile.

FAQ

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and even bake them a day before. Just reheat them in the oven before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought meatballs is a great shortcut. Just cover them with the cranberry and barbecue sauce and bake until hot.

3. How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
You can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats to make this dish gluten-free.

Enjoy your Christmas Cranberry Meatballs this holiday season! They’re sure to become a new favorite at your festive gatherings.

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Print Recipe

Delightful meatballs blending savory and sweet flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Author: tahiriimouhsingmail-com
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: None

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
In a separate bowl, mix together cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce.
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For added flavor, use fresh parsley and consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Christmas, meatballs, appetizer, holiday recipe, festive dish