Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)

If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer to impress your guests this holiday season, you’ve landed in the right spot! These Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) are not only easy to make but they also pack a punch of flavor that everyone will love. With a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce enveloping tender meatballs, they become the star of any Christmas gathering.

This recipe is dear to my heart as it brings back memories of family celebrations filled with laughter and joy. Whether it’s a bustling holiday party or a cozy family dinner, these meatballs are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they come together quickly, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities with your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Whip these up in just 35 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves meatballs! These are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, even among picky eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance and simply heat before serving—easy peasy!
• Sweet and Savory Delight: The combination of cranberry sauce and savory meat creates a delicious balance that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer or even served over rice for a hearty meal—it’s all up to you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will make these Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) shine. With just a few pantry staples and fresh items, you’ll be on your way to creating something truly special.

For the Meatballs

• 1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
• 1 ½ pounds very lean ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (like panko)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
• 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

For the Sauce

• 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or packaged)
• 1 cup tomato ketchup
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

The beauty of these Quick Cranberry Meatballs is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add some spice: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick!
• Change up the herbs: Try using fresh thyme or oregano instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Make them bite-sized: Form smaller meatballs for easy snacking during parties.

How to Make Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated onion, ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mixing thoroughly helps ensure all flavors meld together beautifully. Don’t be shy; get your hands in there!

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Once combined, shape the mixture into meatballs about one inch in diameter. This size ensures they cook evenly and are easy to pop into your mouth. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper as you go.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through. Baking gives them that lovely crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the meatballs bake, mix together cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it until everything is well combined and warmed through. This sweet-tangy glaze is what takes these meatballs from good to absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once your meatballs are done baking, gently toss them in the warm cranberry sauce until they’re fully coated. Transfer them to a serving platter and watch as they disappear! Enjoy every savory-sweet bite with friends and family this holiday season.

Pro Tips for Making Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)

Making these delightful meatballs is a breeze, and with a few insider tips, you can take them from good to extraordinary!

• Choose lean ground beef: Lean ground beef helps keep the meatballs juicy without excess fat, ensuring they remain tender and flavorful.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs: Opt for panko or homemade breadcrumbs for a lighter texture that absorbs the sauce beautifully and prevents the meatballs from becoming dense.
• Don’t overmix the ingredients: Mixing just until combined ensures your meatballs are tender. Overmixing can lead to toughness.
• Bake instead of frying: Baking the meatballs on a lined sheet tray allows them to cook evenly and makes cleanup a snap while keeping them healthier.
• Let them rest before serving: Allowing the meatballs to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps them hold their shape and enhances flavor as they absorb the sauce.

How to Serve Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)

These Quick Cranberry Meatballs not only taste amazing but also look festive on your holiday table! Presenting them well can elevate your gathering’s atmosphere.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up your dish.
• Cranberry zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest over the top for a zesty kick that complements the cranberry flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots roasted with olive oil make for a colorful and nutritious side that complements the savory meatballs.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal while balancing out the richness of the meatballs.
• Green bean almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add crunchiness and elegance to your festive spread.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your guests with these Quick Cranberry Meatballs at your next holiday gathering! Enjoy every bite and happy holidays!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Quick Cranberry Meatballs are not just a delightful treat for your holiday gatherings, but they also make for an excellent meal prep option! You can prepare them in advance and enjoy the flavors whenever you need a festive snack or quick dinner.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

• To freeze, arrange the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or containers.
• Label and date your freezer bags; they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For reheating frozen meatballs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel for about 2-3 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water until warmed through.

FAQs

Have questions? We’ve got answers!

Can I use turkey instead of beef for these Quick Cranberry Meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well with this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly.

What makes these Quick Cranberry Meatballs special?

The combination of sweet cranberry sauce and savory seasonings creates a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. They’re both festive and comforting!

How long can I store leftovers of the Quick Cranberry Meatballs?

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep them in an airtight container!

Can I make these Quick Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! These meatballs are fantastic for meal prep. You can cook them ahead of time and reheat them when needed, saving you valuable time during busy holiday festivities.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Quick Cranberry Meatballs this Christmas! They’re sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings, bringing warmth and cheer to every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Happy cooking, and may your holidays be filled with delicious moments!