Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)

If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer that brings people together during the holidays, these Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) are just the ticket! They’re not only super simple to whip up but also pack a punch of flavor that will have your guests raving. This recipe is a family favorite in my house, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings alike.

With a mix of savory meatballs and a sweet-tangy cranberry sauce, these bites are sure to be a hit at your Christmas party. Plus, they make excellent leftovers, though I can’t promise there will be any left after your guests get their hands on them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have more time to enjoy the festivities.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and savory combination is loved by kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the meatballs in advance and bake them right before serving for hassle-free entertaining.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or even as part of a main course with some sides.
• Deliciously Unique: The twist of cranberry sauce adds a festive flair that sets this dish apart from traditional meatballs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to create something special without any fuss.

For the Meatballs:

• 1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
• 1 ½ pounds very lean ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (like panko)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
• 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or packaged)
• 1 cup tomato ketchup
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add some spice: Mix in red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a little kick.
• Change the sauce: Try using barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a different flavor profile.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with lentils or chickpeas for a plant-based twist.

How to Make Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the grated onion, ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mixing by hand may seem messy, but it helps incorporate all those flavorful ingredients evenly. Don’t overmix—just combine until everything is well mixed!

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, form small meatballs about one inch in diameter. This size allows them to cook quickly and makes them easy to pop in your mouth as appetizers. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown. Baking gives them that perfect texture—crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce by combining cranberry sauce, tomato ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through and well combined. This sweet-tangy sauce is what makes these meatballs so special!

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Once the meatballs are done baking, toss them in the warm cranberry sauce until coated. Serve them hot on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. Your guests will be delighted by these Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe), making this dish a holiday highlight!

Pro Tips for Making Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)

Making these Quick Cranberry Meatballs can be a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use lean ground beef: This helps keep your meatballs juicy without becoming overly greasy, making them a healthier option for holiday gatherings.
• Chill the mixture: If you have the time, refrigerating the meatball mixture for about 30 minutes before forming the balls can help them hold their shape better during cooking.
• Bake instead of fry: Baking your meatballs on a lined baking sheet allows for even cooking and minimizes mess, plus you won’t have to deal with splattering oil!
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor profile of your meatballs.
• Adjust sauce sweetness: If you prefer a tangier flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar in the sauce. This way, you can customize it to suit your taste!

How to Serve Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)

Serving these delightful meatballs can be just as fun as preparing them! With a little creativity, you can make them the star of your holiday spread.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Cranberry garnish: Placing a few whole cranberries around the serving platter not only enhances presentation but also ties in beautifully with the flavors of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: These nutty and slightly sweet sprouts complement the meatballs perfectly while adding a delightful crunch.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting side that balances the tangy cranberry sauce, creating a warm and inviting meal.
• Herbed rice pilaf: Light and fluffy rice pilaf infused with herbs makes an excellent base that soaks up all those delicious sauce flavors.
• Mixed green salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable holiday appetizer that everyone will love! Enjoy your Christmas gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick Cranberry Meatballs recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, making your holiday gatherings stress-free. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat these delightful meatballs.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Transfer frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
• Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Quick Cranberry Meatballs!

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for Quick Cranberry Meatballs?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe. Just ensure it’s lean for the best texture.

How do I make Quick Cranberry Meatballs gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or finely crushed gluten-free crackers.

Can I prepare Quick Cranberry Meatballs without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce. This will help bind your ingredients together nicely.

What can I serve with Quick Cranberry Meatballs?

These meatballs pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even served on mini buns as sliders. They also make a great addition to a festive charcuterie board!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to try these Quick Cranberry Meatballs! They bring the warmth of home-cooked comfort food right to your holiday table. Enjoy making them as much as you’ll enjoy sharing them with family and friends. Happy cooking, and may your festivities be filled with joy and delicious flavors!