Delicious Christmas Cranberry Meatballs served on a festive platter

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

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INTRODUCTION

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful treat during the holiday season. They combine the rich flavors of meatballs with the sweet and tangy taste of cranberry sauce. These meatballs are easy to make, and they bring a festive touch to any party or gathering. They are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday parties. Imagine serving warm meatballs that are bursting with flavor and the joy they will bring to your gatherings. This recipe will help you prepare these delicious meatballs effortlessly, making your holiday celebrations even better.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe for several reasons. First, it is very simple and quick to make. Even those who are not professional cooks can create these tasty meatballs. The ingredients are common and easy to find, making it convenient to gather what you need.

Second, the flavor combination is amazing. The meatballs are savory, and the cranberry sauce adds sweetness that balances the dish perfectly. This contrast in flavors makes them exciting to eat.

Third, Christmas Cranberry Meatballs can be served in many ways. You can enjoy them as a snack or appetizer, or even as a main dish with rice or pasta. They are versatile, and they fit well into any meal.

Lastly, these meatballs can be made ahead of time. You can prepare them in advance and then just bake them before serving. This allows you to spend more time enjoying the celebrations with your family and friends.

HOW TO MAKE Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Making Christmas Cranberry Meatballs is easy and fun. Follow the steps below to get started. You will soon have a beautiful dish that everyone will love.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, you will need a few simple tools:

  • Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the meatball ingredients.
  • Baking Sheet: To bake the meatballs in the oven.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
  • Mixing Spoon or Your Hands: To mix the meatball ingredients thoroughly.
  • Oven: To bake the meatballs.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
  5. Pour the cranberry mixture over the meatballs.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  7. Serve warm as an appetizer during your holiday festivities.

 

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

HOW TO SERVE Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

These meatballs can be served in several ways. You can place them on a nice platter and let guests help themselves. They can also be served with toothpicks for easy eating. If you want to make it a fuller meal, serve the meatballs over rice or with some crusty bread. Don’t forget to pour some extra cranberry sauce over them for added flavor!

STORAGE & FREEZING: Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-4 days. When you are ready to eat them again, reheat in the oven or on the stove until they are hot.

If you want to freeze the meatballs, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven until warm. This way, you can enjoy the joy of homemade meatballs even after the holiday season.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

You can enhance the meatballs with different sides and dips. Here are some serving suggestions:

  • Serve with Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes complement the flavors of the meatballs.
  • Add a Tossed Salad: A fresh salad can add color and crunch to the meal.
  • Serve with Cranberry Dipping Sauce: Some guests might love a little extra sauce on the side for dipping.
  • Enjoy with Warm Bread Rolls: Serve the meatballs with warm rolls to soak up the sauce.

VARIATIONS

There are a few ways to switch up this recipe if you want to try something different:

  • Switch the Meat: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
  • Add Spices: Mix in Italian herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavors.
  • Use Different Sauces: Try using barbecue sauce or sweet and sour sauce instead of cranberry sauce.
  • Make It Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just bake them until they are heated through and then top with the cranberry sauce.
  2. Can I make this recipe without eggs? Yes, you can replace the egg with a substitute like applesauce or mashed banana.
  3. How can I make these meatballs healthier? You can use lean ground beef or ground turkey, and use whole grain breadcrumbs. You can also add more vegetables to the mix.
  4. Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Making Christmas Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time can save you a lot of stress during the holidays. Here are some tips:

  • Prep the Meatballs: Form the meatballs and place them on the baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Sauce Preparation: Prepare the cranberry sauce mixture a day before and store it in the fridge.
  • Freezing Option: You can also freeze the formed meatballs before baking. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before you bake them on the day of your event.

In conclusion, Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a delicious and easy recipe that can elevate your holiday celebrations. Enjoy making them and sharing them with loved ones!

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

A delightful holiday treat, these meatballs combine savory flavors with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, making them perfect for any festive gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Whole grain breadcrumbs can be used for a healthier option.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 piece egg Can be substituted with applesauce or mashed banana.
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cranberry Sauce
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
  5. Pour the cranberry mixture over the meatballs.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  7. Serve warm as an appetizer during your holiday festivities.

Notes

These meatballs can be served with different sides such as mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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