Christmas is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. One dish that brings festive cheer to any gathering is Christmas Cranberry Meatballs. These tasty bites combine the savory goodness of meatballs with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. They are perfect as an appetizer or party snack, making them a must-try this holiday season.
Why make this recipe
Making Christmas Cranberry Meatballs is not just about taste; it’s about creating memories. The bright flavors of cranberry and the warmth of spices will fill your home with a delightful aroma. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and great for feeding a crowd, making them ideal for holiday parties.
How to prepare Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Preparing these meatballs is simple and quick. You’ll be able to impress your guests with minimal effort. Let’s get started with the ingredients and steps.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, mix cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard over medium heat until warm and combined.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve warm as appetizers.
How to serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Serve the meatballs warm on a platter. You can garnish them with fresh herbs like parsley for a festive touch. Consider offering toothpicks or skewers for easy serving. They pair well with a side of mashed potatoes or a crisp salad.
How to store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the meatballs before cooking. Just thaw and then bake when you’re ready to serve.
Tips to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs perfectly
- Make sure to mix the meatball ingredients gently to keep them tender.
- Use fresh ingredients for a better flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce according to your taste.
Variations
Feel free to customize the meatballs. You can add chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. You can also swap the cranberry sauce for different kinds like barbecue or sweet and sour sauce.
FAQ
1. Can I use turkey instead of beef or pork?
Yes, you can use ground turkey for a leaner option. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
2. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the meatballs in advance, then reheat them in the sauce before serving.
3. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought meatballs. Just toss them in the cranberry sauce to get the festive flavor.
Enjoy making and sharing these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs; they are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings!
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
A festive appetizer combining savory meatballs with a sweet and tangy 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 pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, mix cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard over medium heat until warm and combined.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve warm as appetizers.
Notes
Make sure to mix the meatball ingredients gently to keep them tender. Use fresh ingredients for better flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: holiday, meatballs, cranberry sauce, appetizer, festive