The aroma of sweet and tangy cranberry sauce wafts through the air, wrapping around tender meatballs like a cozy blanket on a cold winter’s night. Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are not just a dish; they are an experience that invites laughter and joy to your holiday gatherings, making them the life of any party with their juicy bites bursting with flavor. Grinch sugar cookies peppermint swirl cookies Christmas fruitcake cookies.
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>
- What makes Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs special?
- Can I prepare Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?
- What can I serve with Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: you’re at a holiday gathering, and you spot these delectable meatballs glistening under the soft glow of twinkling lights. One taste transports you back to childhood, where every bite was filled with magic and cheer. Whether you serve them as appetizers or over rice for a main course, these meatballs promise unforgettable flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules
- Their unique flavor profile combines sweet cranberries with savory spices, creating mouthwatering bites
- The vibrant red color adds visual appeal to your festive table
- Plus, they are versatile enough to be served as appetizers or a hearty main dish
I still remember the first time I made Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs; my family devoured them so quickly that I barely had time to snap a photo.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean meat for a healthier option while ensuring it stays moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to effectively bind the meat mixture together without adding unwanted flavors.
- Egg: A single egg helps hold everything together while adding richness to the meatballs.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness; choose bright green leaves for maximum flavor. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
- Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought sauce for convenience; it’s the star of this dish!
- Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor; opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
For the Sauce:
- Brown Sugar: Balances the tartness of cranberries and enhances caramelization during cooking. For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle kick; use smooth Dijon for a creamy texture in the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds umami richness that will elevate your meatball experience.
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 mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated without overworking the meat.
Shape Your Meatballs: Using your hands, scoop out about two tablespoons of mixture per meatball. Roll into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step is crucial; aim for uniform size for even cooking.
Mix Up That Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. The aroma should be delightful—like Christmas morning in your kitchen.
Bake those Meatballs!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until cooked through and browned on top. The transformation from raw to golden brown is magical!
Toss with Sauce and Serve Warm!: Once baked, transfer meatballs into a large saucepan over medium heat. Pour sauce over them gently; toss until fully coated and heated through. Serve immediately with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Enjoy serving these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs at festive gatherings or cozy family dinners! They’ll quickly become your go-to dish during holiday celebrations!
You Must Know
- Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a crowd-pleaser
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes them irresistible
- Plus, they’re easy to prepare in advance, allowing you to enjoy holiday festivities without stress
- Perfect for parties or cozy family dinners!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the meatball ingredients thoroughly, then bake them while simmering the cranberry sauce on the stovetop. This method ensures that both components are ready at the same time and helps develop deep flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground turkey for beef or add spices like ginger or garlic powder. You can also experiment with different jams or sauces for unique flavor combinations that suit your holiday spirit.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm them gently on the stovetop to keep them juicy and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs like parsley for garnish—they add a lovely color and aroma
- Consider making extra meatballs for freezing; they make future meals a breeze!
- Don’t skip browning the meatballs before baking; it enhances their flavor significantly
Sharing these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs with friends during the holidays has become a cherished tradition in our home. They always leave everyone asking for seconds!
FAQ
What makes Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs special?
The delightful blend of sweet cranberry sauce with savory meatballs creates an unforgettable taste experience. savory cranberry and brie tartlets.
Can I prepare Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day ahead and simply reheat before serving.
What can I serve with Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs?
They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even as party appetizers alongside toothpicks!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs 1x
Description
Elevate your holiday gatherings with these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs. Juicy and flavorful, these meatballs are enveloped in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce that delights the senses. Perfect as appetizers or a main course, they bring warmth and joy to any festive table, ensuring everyone keeps coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Shape mixture into uniform meatballs, about 2 tablespoons each, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bake meatballs for about 25 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- Toss baked meatballs in the sauce over medium heat until fully coated and heated through. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
