Description

Festive and flavorful Christmas Cranberry Meatballs juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a sweet-tart cranberry and barbecue glaze. The perfect holiday appetizer or main dish to wow your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1/2 lb (225g) ground pork

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup milk

1 large egg

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

1 can (14 oz / 400g) jellied cranberry sauce

1 cup barbecue sauce (smoky or hickory-style works best)

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined.

2. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown meatballs on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. (Alternatively, bake at 400°F / 200°C for 15–18 minutes.)

4. In a separate saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.

5. Simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth and glossy, about 5 minutes.

6. Add browned meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat.

7. Simmer together for 10–15 minutes on low heat until meatballs are fully cooked and flavors meld.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm as an appetizer or over rice or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Use frozen pre-cooked meatballs for a quick version — just simmer in the sauce until heated through.

Try adding a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist.

Keep warm in a slow cooker on the “Low” setting for holiday parties.

Perfect make-ahead appetizer: refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
Calories: 460
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Christmas cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizer, sweet and tangy meatballs, festive party food, cranberry glaze