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Why Make This Recipe

Christmas is a time for gathering with family and friends, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious appetizers? Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive, flavorful treat that everyone will love. Their sweet and tangy cranberry sauce mixed with savory meat creates a unique taste that’s perfect for holiday parties. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be made in large batches.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Ingredients

1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
In a separate bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce.
Toss the meatballs in the cranberry sauce mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
Return to the oven for another 5 minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cranberries and chopped parsley.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

These meatballs can be served as a tasty appetizer during holiday gatherings. Place them on a platter and let guests serve themselves. The bright colors of the fresh cranberries and chopped parsley make a lovely presentation. You can also offer toothpicks to make it easy for guests to grab a meatball and enjoy.

How to Store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the meatballs; just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Tips to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Make sure not to over-mix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
Use a cookie scoop to form even-sized meatballs, ensuring they cook evenly.
You can adjust the barbecue sauce amount based on your taste preference. If you like it sweeter, add more cranberry sauce.

Variation

You can try swapping the ground meat for chicken or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. Adding finely chopped nuts or dried fruits to the meat mixture can also enhance the flavors and give your meatballs a unique texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but ensure they are thawed and drained before using for garnish.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs earlier in the day and bake them just before serving.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair well with a simple salad, mashed potatoes, or as a topping for rice or pasta.