Christmas Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe

Our holiday cranberry glazed meatballs are a delightful appetizer perfect for festive gatherings. Made with ground meat and coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, they are sure to impress your guests.

The recipe is simple and can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for holiday parties or family celebrations.

Festive Presentation

Creating a stunning display for your holiday gatherings can elevate the entire experience. A platter of cranberry glazed meatballs not only looks appealing but also invites guests to indulge in a delightful treat.

The vibrant red sauce glistens under the soft glow of holiday lights, making it a centerpiece that captures attention. Garnished with fresh parsley, the meatballs exude a festive charm that complements any holiday décor.

Flavorful Ingredients

The combination of ground beef and pork in these meatballs provides a rich and savory base. Seasoned with herbs and spices, each bite bursts with flavor.

Incorporating breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese adds a delightful texture, while the homemade cranberry sauce delivers a sweet and tangy finish. This balance of flavors is what makes these meatballs a crowd favorite.

Preparation Made Easy

Preparing these meatballs is straightforward, making them an ideal choice for busy hosts. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious appetizer ready in no time.

Mixing the meatball ingredients takes only minutes, and shaping them into uniform sizes ensures even cooking. Baking them in the oven allows for a hands-off approach, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your gathering.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the experience, serve the meatballs with toothpicks for easy serving. This not only makes it convenient for guests but also adds a casual touch to the presentation.

Pairing the meatballs with a selection of dipping sauces can further elevate the flavor profile. Consider offering a tangy barbecue sauce or a creamy ranch dressing for variety.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cranberry glazed meatballs are versatile enough to be served at various events, from holiday parties to family gatherings. Their appealing look and delicious taste make them a hit among guests of all ages.

Whether you’re hosting a large celebration or an intimate dinner, these meatballs will surely impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

A Warm Atmosphere

The setting in which you serve these meatballs can enhance the overall experience. Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with holiday decorations that reflect the spirit of the season.

Soft lighting, festive tableware, and seasonal accents can transform your space into a cozy gathering spot, making your guests feel right at home.

Easy Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

These meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with herbs and spices, then baked and tossed in a homemade cranberry sauce. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6-8 people.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 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
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
5. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat over medium heat until warmed through.
6. Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the cranberry sauce until well coated.
7. Serve: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter and enjoy warm.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 10g