Imagine walking into a cozy room filled with the sweet and savory scent of Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs wafting through the air. These meatballs are not just any ordinary dish; they are like tiny, flavorful gifts from the kitchen, wrapped in a tangy cranberry glaze that dances on your taste buds and fills your heart with holiday cheer. Picture yourself enjoying these delightful bites while reminiscing about festive gatherings, laughter, and joy around the dinner table.
Gather loved ones around as you serve this unforgettable dish during holiday celebrations, parties, or even a casual family dinner. The anticipation of biting into these tender meatballs, bursting with flavor and comfort, makes every occasion feel special. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that creates lasting memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules
- The sweet and tangy flavor profile pairs beautifully with various side dishes, adding visual appeal to your table
- They are versatile enough to be served as appetizers or main courses, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied
I still remember the first time I made these meatballs for a holiday gathering; my friends couldn’t stop raving about them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for moist meatballs without excess grease.
Cranberry Sauce: Opt for homemade or store-bought; both add the essential tangy flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Choose plain breadcrumbs to help bind everything together nicely.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are crucial for holding the meatball mixture together.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to each bite.
Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder enhances the savory notes in your meatballs.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors in this dish.
Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness to balance the dish.
For the sauce:
Soy Sauce: This gives a savory kick to balance out the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce beautifully during cooking.
Mustard: A touch of mustard introduces an extra layer of flavor that’s surprisingly delightful.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well until fully combined but don’t overwork it!
Shape Into Meatballs: Using your hands, form small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; this helps with easy cleanup later.
Cook Those Meatballs!: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas.
Create The Cranberry Sauce : While baking, mix cranberry sauce with soy sauce and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbly. Stir often to avoid burning.
Toss and Serve!: Once baked, gently toss meatballs in the warm cranberry sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately while warm for maximum enjoyment!
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs will surely become a staple at every holiday gathering! With their delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors paired with tender textures, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds). Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs bring a festive twist to any gathering
- Their sweet and tangy glaze makes them irresistible, while the aroma fills your home with holiday cheer
- They’re perfect for parties or cozy family dinners
- Enjoy them with toothpicks for easy eating!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the meatball ingredients, then shape and bake them until golden brown. Simultaneously, prepare the cranberry sauce on the stove for a seamless cooking experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground turkey for beef or add spices like ginger or garlic to enhance flavors. You can even throw in chopped nuts for added texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store your meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain their juicy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly brown meatballs, avoid overcrowding your baking sheet and give each one space to breathe
- Season the meat mixture well; it’s the key to flavor
- Experiment with different jams in the sauce for unique tastes that surprise your guests!
I’ve had friends declare these meatballs “Christmas in a bite” after trying them at my holiday gatherings, making me wonder if I should charge admission!
FAQ
Can I make Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate until needed.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even as sliders on buns!
How do I store leftovers of Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them within three days for best quality.
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive delight that brings the sweet and savory flavors of the holiday season to your table. These tender meatballs, coated in a tangy cranberry glaze, are perfect for gatherings, adding warmth and cheer to any occasion. Simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they make for an unforgettable appetizer or main dish that your guests will rave about long after the last bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs (serves about 6) 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley until just combined.
- Shape mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- While meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat; stir until bubbly.
- Toss baked meatballs in the warm cranberry sauce until fully coated and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (140g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
