Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Why Make This Recipe

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful holiday treat that combines savory and sweet flavors in a dish everyone will love. They are not only easy to prepare but also make for a great appetizer or even a main dish. Plus, they are perfect for holiday gatherings and parties, making them a favorite for many.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
5. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Serve warm as a holiday appetizer.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

To serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, simply place them on a serving platter. You can garnish them with some extra chopped parsley for color. These meatballs pair well with toothpicks for easy serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with some dipping sauce on the side.

How to Store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

If you have any leftover meatballs, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the herbs and onions.
• If you like a bit of spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Variation

You can change up the flavor by using different types of ground meat. Ground pork or lamb can add a new twist to the traditional recipe. Additionally, you can experiment with different sauces, like barbecue sauce, for a different taste.

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. You can also serve them as-is for a fun appetizer.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce can add a personal touch and can be tailored to your taste preferences.

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

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• Author: yolanda
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

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Description

Delightful holiday meatballs that combine savory and sweet flavors, perfect for appetizers or main dishes during festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
5. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Serve warm as a holiday appetizer.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh ingredients. These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or frozen for later use.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Christmas meatballs, holiday appetizer, cranberry sauce, savory sweet, easy recipe