Festive Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs combine savory and sweet in a festive package that always brightens holiday parties. Ground beef meatballs coated in a vibrant cranberry glaze bring a perfect balance of tang and richness to your appetizer table. They’re easy to prepare and impressive to serve making them a goto for seasonal gatherings.

My family first tried these meatballs at a holiday potluck and they disappeared in minutes. Now I make them every December because everyone asks for seconds.

Ingredients

• One pound ground beef: for moist and tender meatballs Choose fresh ground beef with about 15 percent fat content for juiciness
• Half a cup of breadcrumbs: to help bind the meatballs and keep them light Use plain or seasoned depending on your preference
• A quarter cup of finely chopped onion: for savory flavor and moisture Pick a yellow or white onion for mild sweetness
• A quarter cup of fresh parsley: adds brightness and color Use fresh for best flavor
• One egg: works as a binder to hold everything together
• Half a teaspoon salt: to enhance all the flavors
• A quarter teaspoon black pepper: for gentle heat
• One cup cranberry sauce: is the star adding tangy sweetness Use homemade or storebought whole berry cranberry sauce for texture
• A quarter cup barbecue sauce: adds smoky depth and a bit of sweetness Pick your favorite brand or homemade
• One tablespoon soy sauce: adds umami and saltiness balancing the glaze

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius so it will be ready once your meatballs are shaped and sauced.

Mix the Meatball Ingredients:

In a large bowl combine ground beef breadcrumbs finely chopped onion fresh parsley egg salt and black pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix gently just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.

Shape the Meatballs:

Roll the mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter. Try to make them uniform in size so they cook evenly. Place them on a parchmentlined baking sheet with enough space to avoid sticking together.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a separate bowl whisk together the cranberry sauce barbecue sauce and soy sauce until smooth and well combined. This will be your flavorful glaze.

Coat the Meatballs:

Pour the sauce over the meatballs on the baking sheet. Use a spoon or a brush to ensure each meatball is fully coated. The sauce will caramelize slightly in the oven creating a shiny glaze.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the meatballs in the preheated oven bake for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through and golden on the outside. Check a meatball by cutting it open to ensure there is no pink inside.

Serve Warm:

Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and serve them warm as a festive appetizer or party dish. They pair well with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

I love the cranberry sauce in this recipe because it reminds me of holiday mornings when we’d cook and prep together as a family. The tangy sweetness always sets a joyful tone and has become a little tradition in our Christmas celebrations.

Storage Tips

Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain the glaze’s texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken works well if you prefer a lighter meat option. Use glutenfree breadcrumbs to keep this recipe gluten free. You can swap soy sauce with tamari for a glutenfree soy flavor alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with toothpicks as finger food for parties or with mashed potatoes for a cozy meal. A side of roasted winter vegetables complements these meatballs nicely too.

These cranberry meatballs are a festive crowd pleasing appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Enjoy serving them warm and watching them disappear.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What kind of meat is best for these meatballs?

Ground beef is used for its flavor and texture, but you can also try ground pork or turkey for variations.

→ Can these meatballs be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape them and chill in the fridge before baking to save time on serving day.

→ How do the sauces contribute to the flavor?

The cranberry sauce adds tangy sweetness while barbecue and soy sauces enhance depth and umami.

→ What sides pair well with these meatballs?

They go well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance flavors.

→ Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Using gluten-free breadcrumbs ensures they fit a gluten-free diet without compromising taste.

→ Can I bake these meatballs without sauce initially?

Yes, you can bake them plain then toss with sauce afterward for a different texture and presentation.