Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful addition to your holiday table. They are easy to prepare and full of festive flavors. The combination of meat with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce makes them a crowd-pleaser. These meatballs are perfect for parties or family gatherings, adding both color and taste to your spread.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Heat over medium heat until warm.
- Toss the cooked meatballs in the cranberry sauce mixture to coat.
- Serve warm as a holiday appetizer.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Serve the meatballs warm on a platter. You can also provide toothpicks for easy serving. They make a great appetizer or a side dish to your holiday meal. Pair them with some fresh veggies and dips for a complete snack spread.
How to Store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Chopped parsley and onions can make a big difference.
- Make sure the meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- For extra flavor, you can add spices like garlic powder or onion powder to the meat mixture.
Variation
If you want a different twist, try using ground chicken or adding chopped nuts to the meatball mixture. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as sweet chili sauce instead of BBQ.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just skip the baking step and heat them in the sauce until warmed through.
2. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the meatballs a day ahead. Just reheat them in the sauce before serving.
3. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, most kids enjoy the sweet flavor of the cranberry sauce, making these meatballs a family-friendly option!
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey Use either ground beef or ground turkey.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Use fresh parsley for better flavor.
- 1 piece egg
- Salt to taste Salt
- Pepper to taste Pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Sauce Preparation
- In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Heat over medium heat until warm.
- Toss the cooked meatballs in the cranberry sauce mixture to coat.
- Serve warm as a holiday appetizer.
