Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Why Make This Recipe

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs bring a festive touch to your holiday gatherings. They are easy to make, taste delicious, and are sure to impress your family and friends. The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with the savory meatballs, making them an ideal appetizer or party snack. Plus, they are a great way to incorporate seasonal flavors into your meals during the holiday season.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until fully combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and mustard.
5. Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Serve warm as an appetizer.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Serve these meatballs nice and warm. They make a great appetizer for a holiday party or a family gathering. You can place them on a large platter with toothpicks for easy serving. Pair them with some fresh parsley or cranberry bits for a nice touch. You can also enjoy them over rice or in a sandwich for a hearty meal.

How to Store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

If you have any leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best eaten within three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will last for up to three months. To heat, simply rewarm them in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

• Mix the meatball mixture well but avoid overmixing as this can make them tough.
• For extra moisture, you can add a little bit of chopped bell pepper or celery to the meat mixture.
• If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce mixture.

Variation

You can try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork for a leaner option. Additionally, you can experiment with different flavors by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture or using homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day ahead. Just shape them and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

2. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly and saves you time.

3. What can I serve with Christmas Cranberry Meatballs?
They pair well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.