There’s something special about gathering around the table during the holidays, with the aroma of festive dishes filling the air. One of my favorite memories is when my family would make meatballs together, laughing and sharing stories while rolling them in our hands. This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs recipe feels like a warm hug as we celebrate the season. The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with the savory meat, creating a dish that brings comfort and joy. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, you’ll see that this recipe captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for the holiday season for many reasons. The balance of flavors makes these meatballs a delightful addition to any table, whether as an appetizer or a main dish. They are easy to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that combines tradition with a unique twist? Christmas Cranberry Meatballs not only taste great but also look festive, making them a wonderful highlight of your holiday spread.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they’re well coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve warm as an appetizer.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Serve these meatballs warm straight from the oven for a cozy appetizer. You can garnish them with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. They pair wonderfully with toothpicks for easy serving, making them a perfect choice for holiday parties. You can also serve them over rice or pasta for a heartier meal.
How to Store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
If you have leftovers, you can store these meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They also freeze well, so you can prepare a batch in advance and freeze them for future meals. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container and label them with the date. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Tips to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some garlic powder or herbs like thyme or rosemary into the meat mixture.
- Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the cranberry sauce mixture.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork for a lighter option. Another fun variation is to add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for extra texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes! Homemade cranberry sauce can be a great way to add your unique flavor to the dish.
How can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
You can prepare the meatballs in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving.
What else can I serve these meatballs with?
These meatballs also go well with salads or can be served on sliders for a fun twist at your holiday gathering.
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 each egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cranberry Sauce Mixture
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cooking
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they're well coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Serving
- Serve warm as an appetizer, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley.
- Pair with toothpicks for easy serving or over rice or pasta for a heartier meal.