Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

The holiday season calls for dishes that are both comforting and dazzling, and these Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs perfectly fit the bill. Imagine tender, savory beef meatballs swimming in a vibrant, tangy-sweet cranberry glaze – it’s a festive symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for more!

Why You’ll Love These Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

These delightful Christmas cranberry meatballs are more than just an appetizer; they are a holiday experience. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy hosts.

• Effortlessly Festive: The vibrant cranberry sauce adds instant holiday cheer to any spread.
• Sweet & Savory Harmony: A perfect balance of tangy cranberry and savory beef satisfies every palate.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: These meatballs disappear fast at parties, always a guaranteed hit!
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll find most items already in your pantry, making this recipe super accessible.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare them in advance, then simply reheat and serve when guests arrive.
• Tender & Juicy: Each meatball is wonderfully moist and flavorful, never dry.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect as a party appetizer, a hearty snack, or even a mini-meal.

Ingredients Needed for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Crafting these festive cranberry meatballs requires a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor. Choose quality ground beef and fresh parsley for the best results.

• 1 cup (200g) cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
• 1/4 cup (25g) chopped parsley

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Essential Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparing these Christmas cranberry meatballs a breeze. A good mixing bowl and a sturdy baking sheet are key.

• • Saucepan: Essential for simmering that rich, flavorful cranberry glaze.

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• Mixing Bowl: For combining the meatball ingredients thoroughly and easily.
• Baking Sheet: Crucial for baking the meatballs evenly until they are perfectly cooked through.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings (4 meatballs per serving)
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Creating these delightful holiday meatballs is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time, infusing your kitchen with wonderful aromas.

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Glaze

1. In a saucepan, combine the bright cranberry sauce, savory beef broth, tangy ketchup, umami-rich soy sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Gently bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and keep it warm, ensuring it’s ready for the meatballs.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Base

1. Meanwhile, in a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, crisp breadcrumbs, a large egg for binding, aromatic minced garlic, a pinch of salt, a dash of black pepper, and vibrant chopped parsley. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough meatballs.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

1. Form the seasoned meat mixture into uniform 1-inch meatballs. Place them neatly on a baking sheet, ensuring a little space between each one for even cooking. Bake these beauties in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until they are beautifully cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Carefully transfer the baked meatballs to the saucepan filled with your warm, aromatic cranberry sauce mixture. Stir gently to ensure every meatball is lovingly coated in the glistening glaze. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up all that incredible holiday flavor. If your sauce seems a bit too thick, a tiny splash of hot water or beef broth can help achieve the perfect consistency.
2. Serve warm, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness.

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Tips for Success with Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Elevate your Christmas cranberry meatballs with these expert tips:

• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
• Uniform Size: Shape meatballs consistently for even cooking.
• Rest the Meatballs: Let the meatball mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before shaping. This helps the breadcrumbs absorb moisture, making them easier to handle and preventing crumbling.
• Taste the Sauce: Adjust sweetness or tanginess of the cranberry glaze before adding meatballs.
• Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few fresh cranberries adds visual appeal.

Variations & Substitutions

Flexibility in the kitchen is key! Here are some ways to customize your Christmas cranberry meatballs:

• Ground Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate dried thyme or rosemary into the meatball mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile Christmas cranberry meatballs shine in many roles during your holiday celebrations.

• Appetizer Perfection: Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.
• Hearty Mini-Meal: Pair with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Festive Sides: Complement with roasted green beans or a simple holiday salad.
• Drinks: Enjoy with sparkling cranberry juice, ginger ale, or a warm spiced apple cider.

Health Benefits of Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Beyond their delicious taste, these cranberry meatballs offer some great nutritional advantages.

• Protein-Packed: Ground beef provides a substantial amount of muscle-building protein.
• Antioxidant Boost: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, contributing to overall wellness.
• Energy Source: Carbohydrates from the sauce and breadcrumbs offer sustained energy.
• Garlic Goodness: Minced garlic adds flavor and potential immune-boosting properties.

Storage & Reheating

Planning ahead or enjoying leftovers is simple with these Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs.

• Refrigerator: Store cooked and cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled meatballs (with or without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the meatballs and sauce a day or two in advance. Store them separately or together in the fridge, then gently reheat before serving.

What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?

Use canned jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce. Either works beautifully, but whole berry will add more texture to your glaze.

Why are my meatballs tough?

Overmixing the ground beef mixture can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until combined, don’t compact the meat too much.

Can I cook these in a slow cooker?

Yes, after baking the meatballs, you can transfer them to a slow cooker with the warm cranberry sauce. Simmer on low for 1-2 hours to keep them warm for a party.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). They will also appear browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center.

More Delicious Dishes

Looking for more inspiration to round out your holiday spread or everyday meals? We have plenty of delectable recipes waiting for you!

• Homemade Swedish Meatballs with That Creamy, Addictive Sauce – Dive into another classic meatball recipe that’s pure comfort.
• Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders – Try these festive sliders for another delightful cranberry and holiday-inspired bite.
• Candy Cane Kiss Brownie Bites That Guests Fight Over – Don’t forget dessert with these irresistibly festive brownie bites!

Conclusion

These Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are truly a holiday hero—easy, delicious, and always a hit. They bring a burst of festive flavor to any gathering. Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more inspiring recipes!

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