There’s something magical about the holidays that brings people together, and these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering. savory cranberry and brie tartlets Imagine tender meatballs soaked in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone’s mouth water in anticipation.
As you prepare to serve these delightful morsels, memories of laughter and joy come rushing back. Perhaps it’s the time your uncle turned into a meatball aficionado after one too many holiday cocktails, or maybe it’s that family tradition where everyone fights over the last meatball. easy Christmas cheese ball Whatever the occasion, these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs promise to elevate your holiday spirit and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These meatballs are easy to whip up, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish
- The flavor balance between sweet and savory is simply divine
- Visually, they add a pop of color to your holiday spread with their vibrant cranberry sauce
- They can be served as appetizers or paired with sides for a satisfying meal
My friends still rave about the time I made these meatballs for our annual holiday party; they disappeared faster than you can say “Santa Claus!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excessive grease.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to give texture and help bind the meatballs.
- Egg: One egg will help hold everything together while keeping them moist.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have for added flavor; it blends beautifully with the other ingredients. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; don’t skip them!
- Cranberry Sauce: Opt for homemade or store-bought—either works just fine for this recipe!
- Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor; low-sodium is a good choice.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds complexity and enhances the taste of the meatballs.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley gives a fresh touch and brightens up the dish visually.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Mixing It All Together: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. slow cooker beef bites Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
Forming Meatballs: Using your hands (or a cookie scoop), form small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so they don’t stick.
Browning the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes.
Making the Sauce: In another bowl, mix cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well blended—it should smell heavenly!
Cooking It All Together: Pour the sauce over browned meatballs in the skillet. Cover and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes until heated through; enjoy watching them bubble away!
Garnishing Before Serving : If desired, sprinkle chopped parsley over the meatballs right before serving. This adds color and freshness—a feast for both eyes and taste buds!
Now that you’ve mastered these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, get ready for compliments! Your friends will be asking for seconds (and thirds) while you bask in those glory-filled moments of culinary triumph! peppermint swirl cookies.
You Must Know
- Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive delight, perfect for gatherings
- They pack a punch of flavor and look stunning on any table
- The sweet and tangy glaze will have friends and family coming back for seconds, or thirds—no judgment here!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the meatball ingredients, then bake them while preparing the cranberry sauce. This way, you maximize efficiency without sacrificing flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground turkey for beef or add spices like cinnamon for a unique twist. Customize it to match your family’s taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect meatballs, ensure your mixture is well-combined but not overworked; this keeps them tender
- Use a scoop for even sizes, ensuring they cook evenly
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking for better flavor development!
Sometimes I think my holiday gatherings are just elaborate schemes to showcase these meatballs. Last year, Aunt Betty declared she’d never make her famous appetizer again after tasting mine!
FAQ
Can I prepare Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs in advance?
For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.
Absolutely! You can make them a day ahead and reheat before serving.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or simply on toothpicks for appetizers.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Simmer the cranberry sauce longer to reduce it until it reaches your desired consistency.
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 18 meatballs (6 servings) 1x
Description
Elevate your holiday gatherings with these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs. Juicy meatballs enveloped in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce create an irresistible aroma that will have everyone coming back for more. Perfect as appetizers or a main course, these festive bites are not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning, adding a pop of color to your holiday spread. Get ready for compliments as these delightful morsels become the star of your celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with oil. Add meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce; mix well.
- Pour the sauce over browned meatballs in the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (120g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, consider using ground turkey instead of beef or adding spices like cinnamon. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days; reheat before serving.
