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Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs 5 Secrets for Perfect Holiday Appetizers


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 45
  • Yield: 40-45 meatballs (10-12 servings) 1x

Description

These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs feature perfectly seasoned beef meatballs baked until golden, then simmered in a glossy sweet-tart cranberry glaze. Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or a festive dinner entrée. Make-ahead friendly and freezer-ready!


Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)

1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

½ cup whole milk

1 small onion, very finely minced (about ½ cup)

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon ground allspice

1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce

1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce

¾ cup ketchup

⅓ cup brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or foil sprayed with cooking spray.

2. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until breadcrumbs absorb all liquid.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumb mixture with eggs, minced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and allspice. Mix thoroughly with a fork.

4. Add ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands, mix gently but thoroughly just until combined. Do not overmix.

5. Using a small cookie scoop (1½ tablespoons), portion and roll mixture into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets with 1 inch of space between each meatball. You should get 40-45 meatballs.

6. Bake for 18-22 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned, rotating pans halfway through.

7. While meatballs bake, combine both cranberry sauces, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), and lemon juice in a large saucepan over medium heat.

8. Whisk sauce until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.

9. Transfer cooked meatballs to the cranberry sauce using a slotted spoon. Gently fold to coat completely.

10. Simmer meatballs in sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, so flavors meld. Let rest 5 minutes off heat before serving.

Notes

For uniform meatballs, use a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop.

Don’t overmix the meat mixture or meatballs will be tough.

Test one meatball first to check seasoning before rolling all.

The breadcrumb-milk mixture (panade) is essential for keeping meatballs moist.

These can be made 2 days ahead and reheated gently with a splash of water.

Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

For parties, keep warm in a slow cooker set on “warm” for up to 4 hours.

Shortcut: Use 3-4 lbs frozen fully-cooked meatballs and skip steps 1-6. Simmer frozen meatballs in sauce for 20-25 minutes.

Fresh cranberries can replace canned sauce: Simmer 3 cups cranberries with 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water for 15 minutes, then add other sauce ingredients.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 445mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, holiday meatballs, cranberry meatballs, party appetizers, Christmas appetizers, make-ahead meatballs, festive meatballs