The aroma of Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs fills the room, wrapping everyone in a warm embrace of sweet and savory bliss. festive drink pairing These tiny flavor bombs are the perfect crowd-pleaser, turning any gathering into a festive feast.
Imagine walking into a holiday party, and there they are—the shiny, glazed meatballs glistening under the twinkling lights. You can almost taste the juicy goodness as you catch a whiff of the cranberry sauce simmering on the stove. easy snack for gatherings Your mouth waters at the thought of their irresistible flavor that dances between tart cranberries and succulent meat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a breeze to make, ensuring you spend less time cooking and more time mingling with guests
- Their tangy-sweet flavor profile perfectly complements any holiday spread
- The vibrant red color adds a festive touch to your table, making them visually appealing and irresistible
- Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main dish, they adapt beautifully to any occasion or palette
I remember the first time I made these meatballs for a family gathering. My cousin took one bite and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which was quite the compliment coming from a self-proclaimed food critic.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious dessert option.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for juicy meatballs that won’t leave pools of grease on your plate. For more inspiration, check out this Guinness Beef Stew recipe.
- Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; either will add that signature sweet-tart punch.
- Breadcrumbs: Choose plain breadcrumbs to help bind your meatballs together without overwhelming the flavors.
- Eggs: One large egg will work wonders in keeping your meatballs moist and tender.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté it first for extra flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced just before use will provide a fragrant kick.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp! Season generously to enhance all the flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of this umami powerhouse elevates your meatball game immensely.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brings freshness and color that makes these meatballs pop on your platter.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on your counter to ensure you have everything ready before you start cooking. It saves time and prevents chaos in the kitchen.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic until fragrant, about one minute.
Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing makes tough meatballs.
Shape Meatballs: Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop for uniformity), form mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet for easy transfer later.
Bake Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for about 20 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
Add Cranberry Sauce : In a large skillet over low heat, pour in cranberry sauce once meatballs are done baking. Gently toss baked meatballs in the sauce until well coated; warm through for about 5 minutes.
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are sure to be the star of your holiday festivities! Their delightful balance of sweet and savory is bound to have guests reaching for seconds (or thirds). Enjoy every bite while soaking up compliments from friends and family alike!
You Must Know
- Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive delight, combining sweet and savory
- They are perfect for gatherings and can be made ahead
- The juicy meatballs paired with tangy cranberry sauce create a flavor explosion that will impress everyone
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the meatball ingredients thoroughly before rolling them into bite-sized balls. Bake the meatballs until golden before simmering them in the cranberry sauce, ensuring they absorb all that delicious flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter option. Add spices like ginger or nutmeg to the cranberry sauce for a unique twist that enhances the holiday spirit.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, ensuring they stay juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use lean meat for a healthier version; it reduces grease and enhances flavors
- Don’t skip browning the meatballs; it adds depth and richness to your dish
- Always taste test your sauce; adjust sweetness or tartness according to preference
I once brought Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs to a holiday party, and they vanished faster than Santa on Christmas Eve! Everyone begged for the recipe, and I felt like a culinary superstar. fun dessert for celebrations.
FAQ
Can I make Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day before and reheat when ready.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
Pair them with toothpicks as appetizers or serve over rice for a hearty meal. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Garlic Butter Bombs recipe.
Can I freeze leftover meatballs?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months for later enjoyment.
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 meatballs (8 servings) 1x
Description
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings. These tender meatballs, glazed with tangy cranberry sauce, provide an irresistible bite that will impress your guests. Easy to prepare and visually stunning on any festive table, they’re sure to become a favorite at your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for around 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- In a large skillet over low heat, toss the baked meatballs in cranberry sauce until well coated and warmed through for about 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs (60g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
