why make this recipe
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that balances sweet-tart cranberry sauce with savory meatballs — perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a cozy winter snack. They’re simple to prepare, transport well, and can be made ahead so you can spend more time with guests. If you like a bright citrus twist, compare notes with this cranberry-orange meatballs variation for another holiday spin.
introduction
This recipe takes classic meatballs and dresses them in a glossy cranberry-barbecue glaze for a seasonal appetizer that looks as good as it tastes. It uses everyday pantry ingredients and comes together quickly — bake and serve warm — making it a reliable choice when you need something tasty with minimal fuss.
how to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Follow the simple steps below to make tender meatballs coated in a festive cranberry glaze. Mix the meatball base, shape, combine the sauce, and bake until cooked through.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix together cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs on the baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm as an appetizer.
how to serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Serve warm in a chafing dish or on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. They pair well with crusty bread, soft rolls, or a simple cheese board. For a buffet, keep them on low heat and stir occasionally to keep the glaze evenly coating the meatballs.
how to store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or simmer on low in a skillet with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. You can freeze cooked meatballs (sauced or unsauced) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion uniform meatballs so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture; combine until just blended to keep meatballs tender.
- If using turkey, add a little olive oil or a touch more breadcrumbs to retain moisture.
- Taste the cranberry-barbecue sauce before adding; adjust sweetness or tang with a splash of vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar if needed.
- For extra gloss, spoon a bit of reserved sauce over the meatballs after baking and return to the oven for 2–3 minutes.
variation (if any)
- Slow-cooker: Brown meatballs briefly, then combine with sauce and cook on low for 3–4 hours for a hands-off option.
- Make them sweet-and-spicy by adding 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Swap ground pork or a beef-pork mix for richer flavor.
- Add orange zest to the sauce for a citrusy brightness.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes — bake them the day before and refrigerate. Reheat in a low oven with a splash of extra sauce or warm them in a slow cooker set to low.
Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: Yes — freeze cooked meatballs (sauced or unsauced) in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?
A: You can, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar to create a sauce similar in texture to canned cranberry sauce.
Conclusion
For another take on cranberry-coated meatballs, this Cranberry Meatballs (Slow Cooker) – Dinner at the Zoo offers a convenient slow-cooker version that’s great when you want set-and-forget holiday appetizers.
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix together cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs on the baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm as an appetizer.
