Prep Time: ~10 minutes
Cook Time: ~25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~35–40 minutes
Serves: ~4–6 servings (about 24–30 meatballs)
Introduction
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are savory, juicy meatballs glazed in a sweet-tart cranberry sauce — a festive and flavorful dish perfect for holiday dinners, parties, appetizers, or cozy family meals. Combining savory meat with a bright cranberry glaze gives a comforting yet exciting flavor that feels seasonal and special.
Why These Meatballs Are So Good
These meatballs stand out because they balance savory and sweet beautifully. The juicy, seasoned meat pairs perfectly with a cranberry-barbecue glaze, offering a rich, festive taste in every bite. They’re easy to make and work as finger foods or main dishes served over rice or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb (about 450 g) ground beef (or a mix of ground beef/pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk (or water)
- 1 large egg
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cranberry Glaze
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (or similar sweet-savory sauce)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste — more for sweeter glaze, less for tangier)
How These Meatballs Come Together
The meatballs are baked until browned and cooked through, then coated with a festive cranberry glaze that becomes sticky and glossy during the final bake. The sweet cranberry sauce and savory barbecue sauce create a rich, sticky coating that clings to every meatball — making them great for serving as appetizers or part of a meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare & Bake Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion (if using), milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). Place meatballs evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
Make the Cranberry Glaze
- While the meatballs bake, combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir gently and simmer until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened — about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess if needed.
Glaze & Finish
- When meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a bowl or keep them in the baking dish.
- Pour the warm cranberry glaze over the meatballs and stir gently to coat evenly.
- Return glazed meatballs to the oven for 5–7 minutes so the glaze sets and becomes glossy.
Serve
Serve the cranberry-glazed meatballs hot.
They work well as appetizer bites with toothpicks, or served over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or even on slider buns for a festive sandwich option.
Tips for Best Results
- Form even-sized meatballs so they cook uniformly.
- Avoid over-mixing the meat mixture — too much mixing makes meatballs dense.
- Adjust the sugar in the glaze to your taste — increase for sweeter glaze, reduce for more tart cranberry flavor.
- For extra zest, add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of orange zest to the glaze.
- Serve warm for best sticky, glossy texture.
Creative Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter option.
- Spicy Cranberry Glaze: Add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the glaze for subtle heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Use a smoked barbecue sauce or a dash of smoked paprika in the meatballs.
- Fruit & Nut Glaze: Stir in chopped dried cherries or finely chopped nuts (like pecans) into the glaze for texture.
- Saucy Meatball Bowl: Serve over creamy polenta, rice pilaf, or warm noodles with extra glaze spooned on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or sauce until warmed through. Avoid microwaving — it can make them dry.
Conclusion
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for holiday menus, appetizers, or comfort meals. The tangy cranberry glaze paired with juicy, savory meatballs creates a crave-worthy combination that’s sure to be a hit with family and guests alike
