Print

Cranberry Meatballs Recipe – Easy Festive Holiday Appetizer

cranberry meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender beef and pork meatballs are baked and tossed in a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze, making them a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Quick to prepare and packed with nostalgic flavor, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at any party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning blend)
  • 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, parsley, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Portion and roll mixture into 1-1/2 inch balls (about 24 meatballs).
  4. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  5. While meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and optional cayenne in a small saucepan. Stir and simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thick and glossy.
  6. Transfer baked meatballs to a large skillet or slow cooker. Pour hot cranberry sauce over and toss gently to coat. Simmer on low for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley or orange zest. Serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk. Meatballs and sauce can be made ahead and stored separately. Freeze baked meatballs for up to 2 months. Garnish with orange zest for extra holiday flair. If sauce is too thin, simmer longer. For firmer meatballs, chill mixture before rolling.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizer, party meatballs, festive recipe, beef meatballs, pork meatballs, cranberry sauce, Christmas appetizer, Thanksgiving appetizer, easy meatballs

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/cranberry-meatballs-recipe-easy-festive-holiday-appetizer/