Craving a festive appetizer that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a breeze to make? Look no further! Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs deliver a delightful burst of holiday flavors in every bite. Forget slaving away in the kitchen for hours. This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly, so you can spend more time with loved ones. These meatballs are not only delicious but also relatively healthy, making them a guilt-free addition to your holiday spread. As a mom, I always appreciate a recipe that tastes amazing and doesn’t compromise on nutrition. These cranberry meatballs have become a staple in our home, and I know they’ll become a favorite in yours too!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother, Nana Elsie, used to make the most incredible cranberry sauce every Christmas. It was tart, sweet, and intensely flavorful. While I never got her exact recipe, the spirit of her cranberry creation lives on in these Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs. Every time I make them, the aroma fills the house, and I’m instantly transported back to her cozy kitchen. This recipe is my way of honoring her and sharing a little piece of our family tradition with you.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until cranberries have burst and sauce has thickened.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce.
- Stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Best Results
For the most flavorful Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing leads to tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated. Secondly, use fresh or frozen cranberries for the sauce. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first, simply toss them in the saucepan and follow the recipe as instructed. Also, adjust the sugar in the cranberry sauce to suit your taste. If you prefer a tarter sauce, reduce the sugar. Conversely, if you love a little bit more sweetness, add more sugar. Ensure you’re using good ground beef and you can add a bit of ground pork to the mixture for extra flavor enhancement. Finally, while the sauce is simmering, taste it and adjust it to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Serve them as an appetizer at your holiday parties; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Skewer them with mini cheese cubes for a fun and festive presentation. Alternatively, they can be served in a slow cooker to keep them warm throughout the party. These meatballs also are a fantastic addition to your Christmas buffet as a lighter, flavorful protein option. They’re wonderful over rice or mashed potatoes. You can also use them as a festive topping for baked brie. The combination of the savory brie and sweet and tart cranberry meatballs is divine! Finally, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for a pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion
Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of holiday cheer and a testament to simple, delicious cooking. This recipe is designed to be quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for busy families and festive gatherings. From Nana Elsie’s inspiring cranberry sauce to the joy of sharing a homemade dish, these meatballs embody the spirit of the season—love, togetherness, and good food. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a holiday classic that everyone will rave about. These cranberry meatballs will become a cherished tradition for years to come. They will add a touch of magic to your Christmas celebration and bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Merry Christmas, and happy cooking!
Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until cranberries have burst and sauce has thickened.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce.
- Stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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