Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are perfect for holiday gatherings and festive celebrations. These tender meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce add a delightful touch to any table. They are easy to make, taste great, and can be served as a finger food for guests or as a main dish alongside festive sides. Their beautiful colors and flavors will surely impress everyone at your holiday party!
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined, then form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a separate saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it is smooth.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the cranberry sauce to coat them evenly.
- Serve the meatballs warm as a tasty appetizer.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
These meatballs are best served warm. You can present them on a festive platter with toothpicks for easy picking. They can also be served with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. This dish pairs well with appetizers or alongside rice and vegetables for a more substantial meal.
How to Store Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
If you have leftovers, let the meatballs cool, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- For an extra flavor kick, add some chopped green onions or bell peppers to the meatball mixture.
- If you want a spicier sauce, you can add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the cranberry sauce.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative to make these meatballs.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by using lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. Just make sure to adjust the baking time, as they may need less time in the oven.
FAQs
1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and freeze them before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly and saves time in the kitchen.
3. How long do the meatballs last in the fridge?
The meatballs will last for about three days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
