Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a festive Christmas delight that will elevate your holiday gatherings. The vibrant red cranberry glaze glistens on juicy meatballs, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma of sweet and savory spices. These Christmas meatballs are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
This quick cranberry meatballs recipe is your go-to dish for any festive occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, these Christmas appetizers fit the bill perfectly.
- Perfect Holiday Appetizer – Ideal for Christmas parties and gatherings
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- Crowd Pleaser – Loved by both kids and adults
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining
- Versatile – Great as appetizers or main course
A Note from Chef Peter
“During my years catering holiday events, I’ve found that these cranberry meatballs are always the first to disappear. The secret is balancing the sweet cranberry glaze with savory meatballs. Using quality ingredients and proper seasoning makes all the difference in creating that perfect holiday flavor everyone loves.”
Chef Peter, MetaSavory Culinary Director
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
These holiday meatballs use simple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable Christmas appetizer.
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey – Turkey for lighter option
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Use gluten-free if needed
- 1 large egg – Binds the mixture
- 2 tsp garlic powder – For savory flavor
- 1 tsp onion powder – Enhances overall taste
- 1 tsp salt – Season to perfection
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground preferred
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – For freshness
For the Cranberry Glaze
- 14 oz cranberry sauce – Jellied or whole berry
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce – Adds depth of flavor
- 2 tbsp brown sugar – Balances tartness
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – For umami flavor
- 1 tsp orange zest – Bright citrus note
Essential Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
How to Make Quick Cranberry Meatballs: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Christmas appetizer that will impress your guests.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined – avoid overmixing.
Pro Tip from Chef Peter: “For tender meatballs, mix the ingredients with your hands just until combined. Overmixing makes the meatballs tough.”
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
Pro Tip from Chef Peter: “Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs. This ensures they cook at the same rate.”
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
Step 4: Make the Cranberry Glaze
While meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and orange zest in a saucepan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss baked meatballs in the cranberry glaze until evenly coated. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy eating.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Fix/Prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Meatballs | Overcooking or lean meat | Use 85/15 ground meat; check temperature at 15 minutes |
| Bland Flavor | Insufficient seasoning | Season meat mixture well; taste test before shaping |
| Sauce Too Thick | Over-reducing glaze | Add 1-2 tbsp water or orange juice to thin |
| Uneven Cooking | Different sized meatballs | Use cookie scoop for uniform size |
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Store leftover cranberry meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, place cooled meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Pro Tip from Chef Peter: “These meatballs actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld. Make them a day ahead for your Christmas party!”
Creative Variations for Christmas Meatballs
- Swedish Meatball Style – Use cream-based sauce instead of cranberry
- Spicy Version – Add 1 tsp chili flakes to the glaze
- Asian Twist – Use hoisin sauce instead of barbecue sauce
- Vegetarian Option – Substitute with plant-based ground meat
Perfect Christmas Pairings
Serve these holiday meatballs alongside other Christmas favorites like deviled eggs, cheese platters, and vegetable trays. They pair beautifully with sparkling cider, mulled wine, or eggnog for the ultimate Christmas spread.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal | 11% |
| Total Fat | 8g | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 8% |
| Sugars | 16g | 18% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time for Christmas?
Absolutely! These cranberry meatballs are perfect for making ahead. Prepare them completely, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use 1 lb of frozen meatballs. Bake according to package directions, then toss with the homemade cranberry glaze. This cuts preparation time significantly.
What’s the best way to keep meatballs warm for a party?
Use a slow cooker on the warm setting or a chafing dish. The cranberry glaze helps keep them moist while warming. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free brands. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer. The meatballs will be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts from Chef Peter
“These quick cranberry meatballs have been a staple in my holiday catering for years because they never fail to impress. The beautiful red glaze makes them look festive, while the sweet and savory flavor combination keeps people coming back for more. Remember that the key to great meatballs is gentle handling and proper seasoning. Make them for your next Christmas gathering and watch them disappear – they’re always the first appetizer to go!”
Print
Quick Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Description
Festive meatballs glazed with a vibrant cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat (beef or turkey)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional herbs (parsley, rosemary)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the egg and mix until combined, ensuring the texture is slightly sticky.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the mixture into meatballs and place on a baking tray lined with parchment.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Simmer cranberry sauce in a small saucepan until warmed through. Glaze the cooked meatballs with the sauce and serve.
Notes
Make ahead and store in an airtight container for 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas, meatballs, holiday recipe, cranberry, appetizer, festive, easy recipe
