Why make this recipe
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are perfect for holiday celebrations. They are easy to make and bring a festive touch to your table. Filled with flavors that blend well together, these meatballs create a charming appetizer that friends and family will love. The combination of savory meat and sweet cranberry sauce makes them a crowd favorite.
How to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a separate bowl, combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve warm as an appetizer.
How to serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
You can serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs as an appetizer during holiday parties or festive gatherings. They look great on a serving platter and you can provide toothpicks for easy serving. Pair them with extra cranberry sauce or BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
How to store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier version.
- Experiment with different flavors of barbecue sauce for a unique taste.
- To add some spice, consider stirring in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the meat mixture.
Variation
You can easily switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Additionally, try using homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and freeze them before baking. When you are ready to serve, just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with a variety of sides. You can serve them with a fresh salad, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
Can I cook these meatballs in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can place the meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker and cook on low for about 4-6 hours for a convenient option.
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but do not overwork the meat.
- Shape meatballs: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce.
- Coat and bake: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and glazed.
- Serve: Serve warm with toothpicks or on a platter. Optional: garnish with fresh parsley or extra cranberry sauce.
Notes
• Use lean ground beef for less grease.
• Chill the meatball mixture for 15 minutes before shaping for easier handling.
• Adjust BBQ sauce to taste for sweetness or smokiness. Variations: Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add a pinch of chili flakes for spice or use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher flavor.