Description
Juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a tangy cranberry-barbecue glaze these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are festive, flavorful, and perfect for holiday entertaining.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tbsp milk
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cranberry Glaze:
1 (14 oz) can jellied cranberry sauce
3/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until combined.
3. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and cinnamon in a large skillet.
6. Simmer over medium heat until smooth and glossy, about 5 minutes.
7. Add baked meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
8. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and glazed.
9. Serve warm as appetizers or over rice for a main dish.
Notes
You can use frozen pre-cooked meatballs for a quick version — just simmer them directly in the sauce.
Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
Keep warm in a slow cooker for parties or buffets.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked + Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, Holiday Appetizer, Sweet and Tangy Meatballs