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A plate of glossy cranberry meatballs garnished with fresh parsley, served on a white ceramic platter with a vibrant red and green holiday tablecloth background. The meatballs are coated in a rich cranberry glaze, with visible pieces of chopped cranberries and herbs, steam gently rising, styled with a festive touch.

Easy Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Christmas Parties

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Delicious, easy-to-make cranberry meatballs perfect for Christmas parties or holiday gatherings. Rich in flavor with a sweet-tangy glaze, they make a festive appetizer.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 20 meatballs 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper until combined.
  2. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and browned.
  4. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine cranberries, cranberry sauce, and honey. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
  5. Remove meatballs from oven and toss in the cranberry glaze. Serve warm garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
  • Can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator before glazing and serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Method: Baking, Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 meatballs
  • Calories: 150 Kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg