Prep Time: ~10 minutes | Cook Time: ~25–30 minutes | Total Time: ~35–40 minutes | Yields: ~4–6 servings (about 24–30 meatballs)
Introduction
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive, sweet-and-savory appetizer (or meal) that combines juicy, homemade meatballs with a tangy cranberry glaze — perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy dinners, or party appetizers. They bring holiday flavors in bite-sized form, balancing savory meat, tart cranberry, and a glossy sweet glaze in each bite.
Why These Meatballs Work So Well
These meatballs stand out because they merge hearty, flavorful ground-meat meatballs with the bright, fruity tang of cranberry sauce. The combination of savory, slightly spiced meat and sweet-tart cranberry glaze gives a complex, comforting flavor that feels festive and indulgent. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require complicated techniques — ideal for busy holiday cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb (≈ 450 g) ground beef (or mixed ground beef/pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional but adds flavor)
- 1/4 cup milk (or water)
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cranberry Glaze
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned — whole berry or jellied)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (or chili sauce / sweet-savory sauce)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste — more for sweeter glaze, less for tangier)
The Art of Making These Cranberry Meatballs
The magic is in balancing textures and flavors: tender, juicy meatballs coated in a glossy cranberry-barbecue sauce that clings to each meatball. Forming meatballs uniformly ensures even cooking. The glaze — a mix of tart cranberries and sweet-savory sauce — caramelizes slightly during baking, enveloping the meatballs in a festive, sticky coating. Serve hot for maximum flavor and shine.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Form mixture into small meatballs — about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter — and place spaced on the baking sheet.
Bake the Meatballs
Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly browned. Internal temperature should reach a safe level (if using beef, 160 °F / 71 °C).
Make the Cranberry Glaze
While meatballs bake, in a small pot or saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, barbecue (or chili) sauce, and sugar. Stir over medium heat until sauce becomes smooth and starts to bubble gently and thicken — about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness if needed.
Glaze & Finish
When meatballs are done, transfer them into a large bowl or back into the baking dish. Pour the warm cranberry glaze over the meatballs, gently stirring to coat them evenly.
Return glazed meatballs to the oven (or broiler for a minute) for 5–7 more minutes so glaze sets and becomes glossy.
Serve
Serve hot — with toothpicks if as appetizer, or over rice/mashed potatoes for a more substantial meal. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for contrast.
Tips for Best Results
- Use even-sized meatballs so they cook evenly.
- Don’t over-mix meat mixture — overworking makes meatballs tough.
- For extra flavor, mix a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder into meat mixture.
- Adjust glaze sweetness: reduce sugar if sauce is already sweet (or use less sugary cranberry sauce).
- For extra shine, glaze when meatballs are hot and let them rest a few minutes before serving — the glaze thickens as it cools slightly.
Creative Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for lighter meatballs.
- Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for texture, or jellied cranberry sauce for smooth glaze.
- Add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of orange zest to the glaze for citrusy brightness.
- Mix in chopped nuts or chopped cooked bacon into meatballs for extra texture and smoky flavor.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the glaze for a sweet-spicy kick.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
Reheat gently in a pan or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if glaze has thickened too much.
Conclusion
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are an easy, flavorful, and festive dish — combining savory, juicy meatballs and glossy cranberry glaze for a sweet-tart treat perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy family meals. Simple to make, crowd-pleasing, and hearty, they’re a great centerpiece or appetizer for any cozy gathering.
