Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
There’s something truly festive about the blend of savory and sweet in Christmas Cranberry Meatballs. This delightful dish fuses rich flavors with a beautiful holiday presentation, making it a favorite for gatherings, holiday dinners, and warm family celebrations. The meatballs, coated in a tangy cranberry-chili sauce, present an exciting twist on a classic appetizer that often brings smiles and compliments to the table. Your guests will be asking for seconds!
Why you’ll love this dish
So, what makes these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs stand out? For starters, they are irresistibly easy to prepare—just a few steps and a handful of ingredients yield a mouthwatering result that will impress your guests. They are budget-friendly, perfect for keeping holiday expenses in check without compromising on flavor. Not to mention, the vibrant color of the cranberry sauce adds a festive touch to your spread, making this an ideal recipe for Christmas parties or holiday buffets.
“Absolutely delicious! The sweet and tangy sauce takes the meatballs to another level. Perfect for our holiday brunch!” – Happy Eater
Preparing Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Let’s go over the simple cooking process before diving into the details. Making these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs involves mixing ingredients to form the meatballs, baking, and then drenching them in a zesty sauce. Follow the recipe, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning appetizer that can also serve as a crowd-pleaser.
What you’ll need
For these delicious meatballs, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Feel free to swap ground turkey for beef if you’re looking for a leaner option, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary preferences.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring each one is nicely coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or a delightful party dish.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs is a breeze! Plate them beautifully on a festive platter with fresh herbs as garnish for an elegant presentation. Pair them with toothpicks for easy serving at parties. You can also enjoy them alongside a fresh green salad or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep leftovers fresh, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong their life, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave for quicker results. Always ensure that meat is reheated to 165°F (70°C) before serving.
Helpful cooking tips
To elevate your Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, consider using day-old bread for the breadcrumbs. This will give your meatballs a unique texture and flavor. Additionally, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking for extra caramelization, enhancing the overall taste.
Creative twists
Looking to switch it up? Try incorporating different spices like cumin or chili powder into the meatball mixture for a flavor boost. You could also add crushed pineapple to the cranberry sauce for a tropical flair. For those following a low-carb diet, swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 45-50 minutes.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just bake before serving.
What if I don’t have chili sauce?
If chili sauce isn’t available, you can use ketchup mixed with a touch of hot sauce to achieve a similar flavor.
Embrace this festive recipe for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, and watch as they become a staple at your holiday gatherings! Enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors—your guests will be thrilled!
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Can use gluten-free breadcrumbs as an alternative.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 piece egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chili sauce Or substitute with ketchup mixed with hot sauce.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
Sauce Preparation
- In another bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring each one is nicely coated.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Serving
- Serve warm as an appetizer or a delightful party dish.
