why make this recipe
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. They bring a festive flair with their sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, making them a crowd-pleaser. These meatballs are easy to make and can be served as appetizers or part of a main dish. With their unique flavor combination, they will surely stand out on your holiday table.
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
These meatballs are best served warm. You can place them on a serving platter and drizzle a little extra sauce over the top for presentation. They pair well with toothpicks for easy eating. You can also serve them on a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
how to store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
If you have leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
tips to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- For a moist texture, do not overmix the meatball ingredients.
- Feel free to add extra spices for more flavor, such as red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use fresh cranberry sauce during the holidays for a more vibrant flavor.
variation
You can substitute the ground meat with plant-based alternatives or use chicken for a lighter option. If you want a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly for this recipe. You can also make your own if you prefer.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked or cooked meatballs. Just make sure to store them in a well-sealed container.
What can I serve with the meatballs?
They can be served with a variety of sides, like mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. They also go well with dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delightful meatballs in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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 a moist texture, do not overmix the meatball ingredients. Feel free to add extra spices for more flavor, such as red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: meatballs, cranberry sauce, holiday appetizers, Christmas