why make this recipe
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a wonderful and festive dish that brings joy to holiday gatherings. They blend the savory flavor of meatballs with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, making them perfect as appetizers or as part of your holiday dinner spread. These meatballs are not only tasty but also easy to prepare. Your family and friends will love them!
how to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, mix cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cranberries over medium heat until heated through and the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve warm as appetizers.
how to serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Serve the meatballs warm, straight from the oven. They are delicious on their own and can be placed on a platter for easy serving. You may also accompany them with toothpicks for easy eating, making them a great finger food option for gatherings.
how to store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
To store leftover meatballs, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them before reheating.
tips to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture.
- If you prefer a bit of spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce.
- Make sure not to overbake the meatballs; check them after 25 minutes to avoid drying them out.
variation
You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version of the meatballs. Additionally, feel free to swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free version if needed.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before using. -
Can I bake the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the meatballs a day in advance, then reheat them in the oven with the sauce before serving. -
What should I serve these meatballs with?
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are great on their own, but they can also be served with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Festive meatballs blended with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, mix cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cranberries over medium heat until heated through and the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve warm as appetizers.
Notes
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatballs, holiday appetizers, cranberry sauce, festive recipes