Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) Recipe

Introduction

Quick Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect festive appetizer that combines savory meatballs with a tangy cranberry sauce. They are easy to prepare, packed with holiday flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 small onion, grated or finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ lbs lean ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• For the Sauce:
• 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 2 cups cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 cup tomato ketchup

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients until fully combined. Wet your hands to prevent sticking and form the mixture into about 32 medium-sized meatballs.
3. Step 3: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160℉.
4. Step 4: While the meatballs bake, combine the sauce ingredients in a large skillet and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and stir in the cooked meatballs, cooking until heated through and the flavors meld.
5. Step 5: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve the meatballs warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use lean ground pork (90-95%) to keep meatballs juicy but not greasy.
• Substitute ground pork with turkey, chicken (add 2 tbsp olive oil), or beef for different flavors.
• Swap panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs as needed.
• For a twist, replace cranberry sauce with grape jelly or raspberry jam mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar.
• If fresh parsley isn’t available, use dried parsley or fresh cilantro instead.
• Replace lemon juice with apple cider vinegar or lime juice for a similar tang.
• Use honey instead of brown sugar, starting with 2 tablespoons and adjusting to taste.

Storage

Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the sauce flavors improve with time. Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container with sauce for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens after freezing. You can also prepare the meatballs and sauce up to 2 days ahead for easy holiday hosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of pork?

Yes, ground beef works well and can be substituted in equal amounts. To keep the meatballs moist, you might want to add a little olive oil if using lean beef.

How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, keeping the same amount.

Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) Recipe

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5 from 116 reviews

Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining lean ground pork meatballs baked to juicy perfection with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, this recipe offers a delightful sweet and savory balance that’s ready in under 45 minutes. Ideal for parties or family dinners, these meatballs can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated easily.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 32 meatballs (serves 8–10 as appetizer) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 small onion, grated or finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ lbs lean ground pork (90-95% lean)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 2 cups cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup tomato ketchup (e.g. Heinz)

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify clean-up.
2. Mix and Form Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients thoroughly. Wet your hands to avoid sticking and shape the mixture into about 32 medium-sized meatballs, using a small ice cream scoop for consistency if available.
3. Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until an internal thermometer reaches 160℉, ensuring they are fully cooked.
4. Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine all sauce ingredients in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until it starts boiling, then reduce heat. Gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce and cook until they’re heated through and flavors meld.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the meatballs warm, perfect for appetizers or over sides like rice or noodles as a main dish.

Notes

• Use lean ground pork (90-95% lean) to avoid greasy meatballs while keeping them juicy.
• You can substitute ground pork with ground turkey, chicken (add 2 tbsp olive oil if substituting), or beef.
• Breadcrumbs can be replaced with regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, quick oats, or gluten-free options.
• Alternate cranberry sauce with grape jelly or raspberry jam plus a tablespoon of vinegar for tanginess.
• If fresh parsley is unavailable, use 1 tbsp dried parsley or try fresh cilantro.
• Lemon juice can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or lime juice in equal amounts.
• Brown sugar may be replaced with regular sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses or honey (start with 2 tbsp and adjust to taste).
• Meatballs keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and freeze well up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, thinning sauce with water or chicken broth if needed.
• Make ahead by preparing meatballs and sauce up to 2 days in advance for easier holiday hosting.

Keywords: cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizer, Christmas recipe, party meatballs, baked meatballs, festive appetizers