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Delicious Christmas Cranberry Meatballs served on a festive platter
Mason

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer that perfectly balances savory and sweet. With juicy beef meatballs coated in a tangy cranberry BBQ glaze, this dish is an instant holiday hit. They’re easy to make, visually appealing, and guaranteed to impress your guests at any Christmas or winter gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 20 meatballs
Course: Appetizer, Party Food
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef lean preferred
  • 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 store-bought or homemade
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Equipment

  • mixing bowls for meat mixture and sauce
  • baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • oven for baking meatballs
  • spoon or scoop for shaping meatballs

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 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.
  3. Shape meatballs: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Prepare sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce.
  5. Coat and bake: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and glazed.
  6. Serve: Serve warm with toothpicks or on a platter. Optional: garnish with fresh parsley or extra cranberry sauce.

Notes

Serving: Serve these festive meatballs as an appetizer at holiday parties. They pair wonderfully with extra BBQ or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Tips:
• 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.