Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs recipe is sweet, tangy, and easy. The meatballs are small, soft, and coated in a bright cranberry barbecue sauce. They look festive on a platter and taste like a holiday party in your mouth. You will like how fast they come together and how many people enjoy them. They work as an appetizer, a snack, or a simple dinner side.
If you enjoy cranberry sweets and savory mixes, you might also like a fruit dessert with cooked cranberries and apples like this apple cranberry crumble pie recipe that balances tart and sweet in a homey way.
introduction
This introduction tells you what the recipe is and how to use it. Christmas Cranberry Meatballs use ground beef or turkey mixed with simple pantry items. You bake the meatballs, then warm them in a cranberry and barbecue sauce. The steps are clear and easy to follow, so even new cooks can make them. This dish fits busy days and holiday gatherings because you can make the meatballs ahead and warm them later. The flavors are familiar and bright, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want something fast but special. The sauce is simple — just cranberry and barbecue sauce — yet it gives the meat a shiny, sweet coat. This recipe uses common ingredients and small effort for big results. It is great for parties, potlucks, and weeknight dinners. You can change meat type, make the meatballs in a slow cooker, or bake them in the oven. The recipe is forgiving and easy to scale up if you need more.
What You Need for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
You need a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, a saucepan, and a spoon. If you have a cookie scoop or small ice cream scoop, the meatballs will be even more even in size. A wire rack on the sheet can help the meatballs brown on all sides, but it is not required. A small saucepan to warm the sauce and a serving dish or slow cooker to keep the meatballs warm will help if you serve at a party.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Follow these clear, simple steps.
- Preheat the oven and mix the meatball ingredients in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Bake the meatballs until cooked through. They take about 20 minutes in a hot oven.
- While the meatballs bake, warm the cranberry and barbecue sauce together in a saucepan.
- Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce so they are evenly coated.
- Serve warm with a garnish of parsley if you like.
This method is quick and reliable. You can also cook the meatballs in a skillet or use a slow cooker to finish them in the sauce. If you want to prepare ahead, make the meatballs and freeze them uncooked, or bake them and reheat later in the sauce.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef (or turkey), 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup minced onion, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, Salt and pepper to taste, 1 cup cranberry sauce, 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes or until they are cooked through.
- In a saucepan, mix the cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce over medium heat until warm.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Serve these meatballs in many simple ways. As an appetizer, place them on a platter with toothpicks. For a main dish, serve them over plain rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to catch the sauce. You can also make small sandwiches with slider buns and a little extra sauce. For a holiday spread, they look nice on a large tray with parsley sprigs for color.
If you want a bread side, try pairing them with a rustic bread that has a nutty crunch and cranberry bites like this crusty cranberry nut no-knead bread. The bread will echo the cranberry flavor and give a warm, home-baked feel to the meal.
How to Store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove in a pan with a splash of water or extra sauce, or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. You can also freeze cooked meatballs: place them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then move to a freezer bag. Frozen meatballs keep well for about 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, or reheat from frozen in a covered baking dish with a bit of sauce.
Easy Tips to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Use a cookie scoop to make meatballs even in size. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Keep the meatball size small for appetizers. Small meatballs bake faster and are easy to pick up.
- Do not overmix the meat. Mix just until the ingredients come together to keep meatballs tender.
- If the mix feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. If it feels dry, add a splash of milk or another egg white.
- Taste the sauce and adjust sweet or tang: add a little more barbecue sauce for smokiness, or a touch of lemon for brightness.
- Make meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat them gently in the sauce when you are ready to serve.
Try These Variations of Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Turkey or chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add spices: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger into the sauce for a warm holiday touch.
- Pine nuts: Add a small handful of finely chopped toasted nuts to the meat mix for texture.
- Glaze mix: Swap barbecue sauce for orange marmalade or add a splash of soy sauce for a sweet-salty glaze.
- Slow cooker: Brown the meatballs first, then add sauce and keep on low for a few hours for an easy party option.
Common Questions About Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can form the meatballs and keep them in the fridge for a day before baking. You can also bake them, cool, and store in the fridge for a day or freeze for longer storage.
Q: Can I use turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey works well and makes a lighter meatball. Watch the cooking time as lean turkey can dry out; do not overbake.
Q: How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?
A: Use an egg and enough breadcrumbs to bind the mix. Mix until just combined and do not press too hard when shaping. Cooling baked meatballs slightly before adding to sauce helps them hold their shape.
Q: Can I make these in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the meatballs briefly in a pan, then place them in the slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for 2-3 hours. This makes them very tender.
Q: Is canned cranberry sauce okay?
A: Yes. Canned cranberry sauce works well and gives a smooth texture to the glaze.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are simple, tasty, and festive. The recipe uses easy ingredients and simple steps, but it delivers a bright flavor and a cozy feel. Make a big batch for a party, or cook a small batch for family dinner. You can change spices, meat type, or serving style to suit your taste. Keep the steps clear and do a quick taste check on the sauce to fit your sweetness preference.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy the warm sweet-tart sauce with tender meatballs. This dish mixes holiday flavors with everyday ease. It will be a quick favorite for guests and family.
Conclusion
For another take on cranberry-coated meatballs, see this slow cooker version that offers a hands-off approach: Slow cooker cranberry meatballs recipe at The Kitchn.
Print
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
These sweet and tangy meatballs are baked and then coated in a flavorful cranberry barbecue sauce, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes or until they are cooked through.
- In a saucepan, mix the cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce over medium heat until warm.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. These meatballs can also be frozen for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg