Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify clean-up.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
