The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. One dish that brings smiles to faces and joy to taste buds is Christmas Cranberry Meatballs. These savory and sweet meatballs make a perfect appetizer for your holiday gatherings. With a combination of ground meat, warm spices, and zesty cranberry sauce, they are sure to be a hit at your festive table.
Why make this recipe
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are not just tasty; they are easy to make and versatile. Whether you are hosting a holiday party, getting together with family, or just looking for a comforting dish, these meatballs fit the bill. They are quick to prepare and cook, leaving you more time to enjoy the season. Plus, they add a lovely splash of color and flavor to your holiday spread!
How to prepare Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Making these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs is simple! Just follow the steps below to whip up a batch that will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar.
- Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve warm as an appetizer.
How to serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Serve these meatballs warm on a festive platter. You can also use toothpicks for easy serving if they are part of a buffet. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them just as they are!
How to store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs perfectly
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture; it can make them tough.
- Use a scoop or your hands to keep meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
- Experiment with different types of meat or add herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
Variations
Feel free to switch up the proteins — chicken or pork can be great substitutes for beef or turkey. If you like a little heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or a touch of sriracha to the cranberry sauce.
FAQ
1. Can I make these meatballs in advance?
Yes! You can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just bake them right before serving.
2. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely! You can freeze them both before and after cooking. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
3. What can I serve with these meatballs?
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs pair well with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or a warm bread roll to soak up the delicious sauce.
Try making these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs at your next holiday gathering and watch them disappear in no time! Enjoy the cheer of the season with this delightful dish.
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Savory and sweet meatballs combined with ground meat and zesty cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar.
- Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve warm as an appetizer.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. These meatballs can also be made in advance and frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Christmas, meatballs, holiday appetizer, cranberry sauce, festive food