As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of Christmas Cranberry Meatballs wafting through your kitchen. These delightful morsels, combining the savory goodness of ground meat with the tangy sweetness of cranberry and barbecue sauces, make for a memorable holiday appetizer or a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or just want to bring a little cheer to your weeknight meals, these meatballs are a must-try!
Why make this recipe
Reasons to try it
What sets these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs apart? For starters, they’re a wonderful mashup of seasonal flavors that evoke the spirit of the holidays while being undeniably comforting. Quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and kid-approved, they’re perfect for any gathering, from holiday parties to cozy family dinners. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive.
“These meatballs were a huge hit at our holiday party! The combination of cranberry and barbecue was unexpected and delightful!” – Sarah J.
Preparing Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
The cooking process explained
Making Christmas Cranberry Meatballs is a straightforward and enjoyable process. In just a few steps, you’ll have a batch of flavorful meatballs ready to bake. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s get started!
Gather these items
What you’ll need
To create these scrumptious meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Feel free to substitute the meat with your favorite option or even use a plant-based alternative for a twist!
Directions to follow
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, egg, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve with additional cranberry sauce or barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving suggestions
These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs shine on their own or as part of a festive spread. Consider serving them on a beautiful platter with a sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish. Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or even as mini sandwiches in slider buns. They also make an ideal addition to a charcuterie board, alongside cheeses and fruits for an elevated appetizer that delights.
Storage and reheating tips
How to store
For optimal freshness, store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick snack.
Helpful cooking tips
Tricks for success
- If you’re short on time, consider using store-bought meatballs as a base and adding your cranberry and barbecue sauces for that special touch.
- Mixing the ingredients by hand is key to achieving the perfect texture—don’t overmix!
- For extra flavor, let the meatball mixture sit for about 15 minutes before shaping; it allows the seasoning to blend beautifully.
Creative twists
Different ways to try it
Experimenting is the name of the game in the kitchen! Try adding chopped nuts for crunch, diced bell peppers for added color, or even chili flakes for a hint of heat. You can also explore different sauce combinations—think sweet chili, hoisin, or teriyaki for a global twist!
Your questions answered
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare Christmas Cranberry Meatballs?
The total prep and cooking time is around 30-35 minutes, making it a quick yet satisfying dish for busy weeknights.
Can I substitute the ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative works wonderfully in this recipe.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The oven is best for reheating to maintain texture, but microwaving is acceptable for a quick warm-up. Just be cautious not to overdo it to prevent drying.
Embrace the flavors of the holiday season with these irresistible Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or pork) Feel free to use a plant-based alternative.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For drizzling.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, egg, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve with additional cranberry sauce or barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.