Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or any special occasion. The combination of sweet, tangy cranberry sauce and savory meatballs creates a delicious contrast that’s sure to impress your guests. Here’s a simple recipe to make these delicious cranberry meatballs:
Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or pork, if preferred)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) cranberry sauce (or use homemade cranberry sauce for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky, depending on preference)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if necessary, add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey.
- Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and all the flavors meld together.
4. Coat the Meatballs:
- Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and get nice and sticky.
5. Serve:
- Transfer the cranberry meatballs to a serving platter. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Meatballs:
- For a sweeter sauce: Adjust the level of sweetness by adding more brown sugar or honey to the cranberry sauce.
- For more depth of flavor: You can add a splash of orange juice or some zest to the cranberry sauce for an added citrusy twist.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. After frying, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To serve, simply thaw them overnight and reheat them in the cranberry sauce.
- Add heat: For a spicy kick, add extra sriracha or a chopped jalapeño to the cranberry sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve cranberry meatballs as an appetizer at your next holiday gathering, game day party, or family get-together.
- Pair with cocktail picks or toothpicks for easy serving.
- You can also serve them over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty main course.
These Cranberry Meatballs are a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy, with just the right amount of richness and flavor. They’re sure to be a hit at your next event!