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If you are searching for a festive yet simple crowd-pleaser, this Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe will quickly become your new holiday tradition. Picture tender, juicy meatballs infused with aromatic herbs, perfectly baked and then generously coated in a vibrant sauce that combines the sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce, smoky BBQ, and savory Worcestershire and soy sauces. It’s a combination that sings holiday cheer in every bite and makes entertaining both effortless and impressive. Whether you’re serving these at a busy party or a cozy family dinner, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of comfort and celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an important role in making the dish deliciously memorable. From the hearty base of ground meat to the tangy cranberry sauce, every component builds layers of flavor and texture.
- Ground beef or turkey: Choose your favorite lean option for juicy, tender meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: These bind the meat mixture, keeping the meatballs soft and moist without falling apart.
- Onion (finely chopped): Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the richness.
- Egg: Acts as a natural glue to hold everything together.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a punch of savory warmth to complement the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient.
- Dried thyme: Infuses a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with cranberry.
- Cranberry sauce: The star ingredient providing that signature sweet and tart holiday flavor.
- BBQ sauce: Enhances the sauce with a smoky, tangy kick.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and umami depth.
- Soy sauce: A splash of salty savoriness to round out the sauce.
- Fresh cranberries and parsley for garnish (optional): These add festive color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature allows the meatballs to cook evenly, browning beautifully on the outside while staying juicy inside.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well incorporated. This ensures every bite bursts with balanced flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Form the mixture into small, uniform meatballs about one inch in diameter. Consistent size helps them cook evenly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through
Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown and are cooked through. Their outer crust should have a slight firmness while remaining juicy inside—just perfect.
Step 5: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce Mixture
While the meatballs bake, whisk together the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through and the flavors marry into an irresistible glaze.
Step 6: Coat Meatballs and Bake Again
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, transfer them to a serving dish and pour the warm cranberry sauce mixture over them, covering every meatball in festive flavor. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to soak into the meat, creating an extraordinary taste experience.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the meatballs once more and garnish with fresh cranberries and parsley if you wish. This final touch adds a pop of color and freshness, perfect for presentation and palate alike.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of chopped parsley are traditional and elegant garnishes that brighten the dish with color and a hint of freshness. For an extra holiday spark, you can also add a few orange zest strips or pomegranate seeds.
Side Dishes
Serve these meatballs alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the luscious cranberry sauce. For a lighter option, pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
These meatballs make a fantastic appetizer when skewered with cocktail picks and served on a festive platter. You can also turn them into sliders with mini buns for a fun party treat or tuck them into warm pita pockets with a smear of cream cheese and fresh greens for a flavorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply place any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This recipe reheats beautifully without losing its moistness or flavor.
Freezing
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe also freezes well—freeze cooked and sauce-coated meatballs in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce remains smooth and the meatballs heat evenly. This keeps them tender and flavorful, just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe, offering a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste or texture.
Is it possible to make the cranberry sauce from scratch?
Yes, homemade cranberry sauce can be easily made by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and a splash of orange juice. Using homemade sauce adds a fresh, vibrant twist to the dish.
Can I prepare the meatballs completely ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the meatballs and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes holiday entertaining much less stressful.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a combination of soy sauce and a dash of vinegar can mimic that complex umami flavor well in this recipe.
Are these meatballs suitable for freezing after cooking?
Yes, once cooked and sauced, you can freeze the meatballs for future enjoyment. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe—it’s festive without fuss, flavorful without complexity, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your holiday table. I encourage you to try it this season and share the joy it brings with your loved ones. Once you do, these meatballs might just become your go-to holiday favorite year after year.
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Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Christmas Cranberry Meatballs combine juicy ground beef or turkey with a delightful cranberry BBQ sauce for a perfect holiday appetizer or party dish. The meatballs are baked to juicy perfection, then coated in a tangy-sweet sauce enhanced with Worcestershire and soy sauce. Garnished with fresh cranberries and parsley, they offer a delicious seasonal twist that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Sauce
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh cranberries
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into small, approximately 1-inch diameter meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
- Prepare Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce is heated through and well combined.
- Coat Meatballs: Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them to a large serving dish and pour the warm cranberry sauce mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
- Final Bake: Return the sauced meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to absorb the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and garnish with fresh cranberries and parsley if desired before serving them warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste or canned for convenience.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture; otherwise, the meatballs may become dense.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Serve these meatballs as appetizers or as part of a festive main course.
