The holidays are here, and nothing screams festive cheer quite like a plate of quick Christmas cranberry meatballs. Picture this: succulent meatballs bathed in a luscious cranberry sauce that balances sweet and tangy like a perfectly choreographed dance. savory cranberry and brie tartlets The aroma wafts through your home, wrapping you in warmth and joy, making every taste bud tingle with anticipation.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?
- What kind of meat should I use for these meatballs?
- How do I enhance the cranberry sauce flavor?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you back to my very first holiday gathering where I nervously presented these meatballs. They vanished faster than my resolution to eat healthier after New Year’s! Each bite brought smiles and laughter, proving that food truly brings people together during this magical season.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings
- The sweet-tart flavor pairs wonderfully with savory meatballs
- Visually stunning, they make an eye-catching centerpiece on any table
- Versatile enough to serve as appetizers or over rice for a hearty meal
I remember the time my friends and family gathered around the table, eagerly digging into these delightful bites. Their delighted reactions filled the room with joy and laughter.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- Egg: Acts as a binder; fresh eggs yield the best texture.
- Onion: Finely chop it for sweetness that melds beautifully into the meat mixture. For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.
- Garlic Powder: A pinch adds depth; adjust based on your garlic love level!
- Cranberry Sauce: Opt for homemade or store-bought; both options are delicious.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami richness; low-sodium versions work well for controlling saltiness.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: Balances the tartness of cranberries perfectly. Grinch sugar cookies.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked provides the best flavor kick.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, and black pepper until well blended.
Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Brown the Meatballs in Skillet: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Enjoy that tantalizing aroma!
Create the Cranberry Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix cranberry sauce with soy sauce and honey or brown sugar until smooth. This step makes your sauce sing!
Add Meatballs to Sauce : Pour the cranberry sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Cook on low heat for 10 minutes so flavors meld beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Serve and Enjoy!: Transfer your quick Christmas cranberry meatballs onto a serving platter. Christmas fruitcake cookies Watch guests swoon as they dig into those flavorful bites! peppermint hot chocolate cookies.
Now you have a plateful of joy that’s sure to brighten your holiday gatherings! Not only are these quick Christmas cranberry meatballs easy to prepare but they’re also guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
You Must Know
- Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are not just festive; they’re a flavor explosion!
- With sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, these meatballs are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in
- Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them a go-to recipe for busy hosts
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your meatball ingredients thoroughly. Bake the meatballs at 400°F for about 20 minutes while simmering the cranberry sauce on the stove. Combine them right before serving to keep everything warm and delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground turkey for beef or add some spicy jalapeños to kick things up a notch! You can also toss in some chopped herbs for extra flavor that will impress your guests.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they stay juicy and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect meatballs, ensure the mixture is well combined but don’t overwork it—this keeps them tender
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, which helps them cook evenly
- For added moisture, mix in some breadcrumbs soaked in milk before forming the balls
Cooking Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs has become my secret weapon during holiday parties. Friends rave about them each year; one even declared them “life-changing.” Who knew a simple meatball could create such joy?
FAQ
Can I make Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake them a day prior, then reheat with sauce before serving.
What kind of meat should I use for these meatballs?
Ground beef, turkey, or chicken all work great; choose based on your preference.
How do I enhance the cranberry sauce flavor?
Add orange zest or a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 meatballs (6 servings) 1x
Description
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect festive dish to delight your guests this holiday season. These tender meatballs simmered in a sweet-tart cranberry sauce create an irresistible flavor combination that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Ideal for parties or cozy dinners, they are easy to make and sure to impress everyone at your table!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic powder, and black pepper until combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs for about 5 minutes on all sides.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and honey or brown sugar until smooth.
- Pour the cranberry sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm on a platter and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (120g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
