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Ah, Christmas! A season overflowing with magic, twinkling lights, and the warm embrace of family gatherings. One of my fondest holiday memories revolves around a simple, yet utterly delightful dish my grandmother introduced to our family get-togethers: cranberry meatballs. As a child, I would watch with wide eyes as she mixed the ground meat, breadcrumbs, and the special ingredient — cranberry sauce that filled the kitchen with a sweet, tangy aroma. The first bite of those tender meatballs, bathed in the glossy cranberry glaze, sent my taste buds on a joyous ride. The blend of sweet and savory created a delightful harmony that seemed to embody the essence of Christmas itself. They became a beloved tradition, and I can promise that you and your loved ones will cherish them just as much!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Just mix, form, and bake! Perfect for any skill level.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 30 minutes — ideal for those busy holiday days!
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients.
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet, savory, and tangy all in one bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to disappear at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken): Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option, or go for beef for that rich flavor.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Adds the perfect texture to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder, helping all the ingredients come together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion: Brings a lovely sweetness and depth to each bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A pinch of this enhances the overall flavor (and who doesn’t love garlic?).
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the wonderful flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and a gentle kick.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: The star of the show! Adds a lovely, tangy glaze that makes these meatballs shine.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Deepens the flavor profile and adds a savory umami punch.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: A touch of sweetness that complements the tartness of the cranberries.
- 1 teaspoon mustard: Adds a tangy brightness and balances the sweetness.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Let the anticipation build as your kitchen warms up!
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Get your hands in there and mix until just combined! You want to feel that comforting squish of ingredients melding together.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
Aim for about one inch in diameter. You can do this! And don’t worry about making them perfectly round — that adds character!
4. In a separate bowl, mix together cranberry sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and mustard.
This will create the most deliciously glossy coating for your meatballs. The sweet-tart aroma will have you dreaming of Christmas!
5. Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs on the baking sheet.
Use a spoon to drizzle it all lovingly over each meatball. They deserve that fabulous glaze!
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Enjoy that warm, inviting scent wafting through your kitchen; it’s like a big holiday hug!
7. Serve warm as an appetizer. Enjoy!
Watch your guests’ faces light up as they take their first bite – it’s pure joy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use an ice cream scoop for even-sized meatballs!
- For extra flavor, sauté your onions before mixing them in to caramelize their natural sweetness.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; give your meatballs some breathing room for even cooking.
- Swap in pesto or Italian seasoning for a different flavor twist!
- Drizzle a little extra cranberry sauce on the plate for a stunning presentation.
Flavor Variations
- Meat Swap: Consider using chicken sausage for a lighter option or lamb for something a bit more festive.
- Seasonal Twist: Add in chopped walnuts for crunch or dried cranberries for an added layer of sweetness.
- Spice it Up: A dash of chili flakes or a touch of curry powder can elevate these meatballs to something uniquely yours!
Serving Suggestions
Pair these meatballs with toothpicks for easy snacking or serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or mashed potatoes. As for drinks, a chilled glass of cranberry juice or a warm spiced apple cider would complement them beautifully.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep these meatballs a day in advance! Just mix, form, and store them in the fridge covered until you’re ready to bake. Once cooked, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Leftovers
Got leftovers? Try chopping them up and tossing them into a cozy pasta dish or mixing them into a warm grain bowl. They also make for a delightful sandwich on crusty bread.
Freezing
Absolutely! Cooked meatballs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to three months!
Reheating
For best results, reheat them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or you can pop them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat. A skillet with a little sauce can also warm them up beautifully!
FAQs
Can I use ground meat alternatives?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat will work wonderfully in this recipe!
What should I do if my meatballs are falling apart?
Make sure to mix your ingredients just until combined, and ensure you use the egg as a binder!
Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re all set!
Can I double this recipe?
You sure can! Just remember to use a larger baking sheet or make two batches if your oven is on the smaller side.
Final Thoughts
As you gather around the table this holiday season, filled with laughter and the joyous spirit of togetherness, I hope these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs add a sprinkle of magic to your celebrations. They are more than just a dish; they are a bridge connecting generations and creating cherished memories. Wishing you love, warmth, and plenty of delicious bites! Happy cooking, my friends! 💖
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix together cranberry sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and mustard.
- Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve warm as an appetizer.