Why make this recipe
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect dish for holiday gatherings. They are easy to make, delicious, and add a festive touch to any table. The combination of sweet cranberry and savory meatballs is a hit with everyone. These meatballs are not only great for a party but also work well for family dinners. Easy to prepare ahead of time, they can be served warm, making them a wonderful choice for busy holiday hosts.
How to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy your festive appetizers!
How to serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Serve the meatballs warm on a platter. You can also put toothpicks in each meatball for easy serving. Pair them with a side of extra cranberry sauce or a fresh salad. These meatballs make a great appetizer but can also be served over rice or pasta for a main dish.
How to store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
To store the leftover meatballs, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make the meatballs smaller or larger depending on your preference.
- Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese; it adds great flavor and helps bind the meatballs.
Variation
For a different flavor, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the meatball mixture. You can also swap the cranberry sauce for a different fruit sauce, like apple or peach, for a unique taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just bake them according to the package instructions and pour the sauce over them before serving.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and bake them when you are ready to serve.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a warm bread roll. They are also great with a side of fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
These festive meatballs combine sweet cranberry and savory flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to prepare ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy your festive appetizers!
Notes
For easier serving, use toothpicks and offer extra cranberry sauce on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Christmas, meatballs, cranberry sauce, holiday appetizer, festive dish