Go Back

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a sweet-tart, comforting appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a delightful balance of savory and fruity flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Mixture
  • 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey) Choose your preferred meat; turkey makes them lighter.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Plain or seasoned, depending on desired flavor.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds salty, savory depth.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Brightens the whole dish.
  • 1 large egg Binds the mixture together.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Fresh garlic can be used for a sharper taste.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Or a bit of finely minced onion for texture.
  • Salt and pepper to taste salt and pepper Start with about 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
Sauce
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce Whole-berry sauce gives bursts, while jellied sauce creates a smoother glaze.
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce Pick your favorite brand; adds smoky sweetness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
Cooking
  1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through and golden.
  2. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce over medium heat until heated through.
  3. Toss the cooked meatballs in the cranberry sauce mixture before serving.
Serving
  1. Serve warm as appetizers, optionally with extra sauce for dipping.

Notes

Make the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving. For added flavor, try adding orange zest to the sauce.