It’s that time of year when everyone needs a reliable party snack. If you’re craving something savory and festive, these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the answer.
They combine juicy meat with a tangy, sweet glaze. You can have them ready for guests in no time. This recipe is a total holiday lifesaver.
Why You’ll Make This Again
These meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for any winter gathering. These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are incredibly easy to batch cook. The balance of beef and pork ensures every bite is tender.
You will love how the cranberry sauce adds a bright pop. It makes them feel special for the holidays. Plus, they stay moist even after sitting out at a party.
How This Comes Together
The process is very straightforward and beginner-friendly. You simply mix, roll, and bake the meatballs. While the oven does the work, you whisk the glaze together. It’s a fast way to get big flavor.
What You’ll Need
Most of these ingredients are likely in your pantry or fridge already. Simple ingredients make the best holiday food.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 14 oz canned whole berry cranberry sauce
- 12 oz chili sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch balls (approximately 40 meatballs) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through and slightly browned.
- While meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, and soy sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk the sauce until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the baked meatballs into the saucepan with the sauce.
- Toss meatballs to coat thoroughly and simmer on low for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
How To Serve Your Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Serve these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs warm straight from the pan. You can also move them to a slow cooker. This keeps them perfect for hours during a party.
Provide fancy toothpicks for easy grabbing. They look great garnished with fresh parsley or orange zest. Pair them with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider.
Leftovers & Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for three months. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave or a skillet.
Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick. They reheat beautifully for a quick snack later. This makes them a great option for meal prep too.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Don’t skip the milk because it keeps the meatballs tender.
- Avoid overmixing the meat to keep the texture light.
- Use a small cookie scoop for perfectly even sizes.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Zest the orange before juicing for extra holiday aroma.
- Make the meatballs a day early to save party time.
- Keep them in a slow cooker to stay warm for guests.
Easy Ways To Change It Up
- Use ground turkey for a lighter and healthier version.
- Swap chili sauce for BBQ sauce for a smokier taste.
- Add diced jalapeños for a festive sweet and heat vibe.
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if you have dietary needs.
Quick Questions
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, you can use pre-made frozen meatballs to save time. Just simmer them in the sauce for 20 minutes until hot. This is a great shortcut for busy nights.
Is the chili sauce spicy?
No, bottled chili sauce is usually more tangy than hot. It tastes like a zesty ketchup. It provides a perfect balance to the sweet cranberry sauce.
I hope these meatballs become a staple at your holiday table. They are so simple and always disappear fast. Let me know how they turn out!
— Ethan
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch balls (approximately 40 meatballs) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through and slightly browned.
- While meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, and soy sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk the sauce until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the baked meatballs into the saucepan with the sauce.
- Toss meatballs to coat thoroughly and simmer on low for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
