Cranberry Kissed Meatballs the Perfect Party Bite

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what the fuss is about Cranberry Glazed Meatballs ? These little gems are sweet, tangy, and savoury all in one bite. Honestly, they're dangerously addictive!

Brief Overview

These delightful Christmas Appetizer Meatballs are more than just party food. Think of them as tiny bites of a traditional Christmas dinner.

They are so easy to make even a complete beginner can nail it. This recipe yields about 24-30 meatballs, which is perfect for a small gathering.

Main Benefits

Not only are these sweet and tangy meatballs incredibly tasty, but they’re also packed with flavour. This makes them a winner for your next holiday meatball recipe .

Plus, they’re a total crowd pleaser.

Why You'll Love These Cranberry Kissed Meatballs

Okay, full disclosure: I was never a huge meatball fan until I tried these. Seriously! Forget those bland, boring meatballs you find at some parties.

These Cranberry Glazed Meatball Appetizers are on a whole new level. The Cranberry Meatball Sauce is where the magic happens.

It's sweet, tangy, and a little bit spicy, which complements the savoury meatballs perfectly. Trust me; you will love these Party Meatball Recipes

What's so Special About Cranberry Sauce For Meatballs?

I have to say, Meatballs And Cranberry Sauce might sound like a weird combo, but it really works. The acidity of the cranberry cuts through the richness of the meat.

The origin of this holiday meatball recipe is hard to pinpoint, but it's a modern twist on classic Appetizers With Cranberry Sauce .

This is no Nan's recipe, but has the family's approval.

What Goes Into Making These Festive Bites

Right, let's get down to the ingredients. For the meatballs, you'll need ground beef and pork (a mix is ideal for flavor and juiciness), breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and some Italian herbs.

The glaze is where things get interesting: cranberry sauce, orange juice, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and Dijon mustard.

You can adjust the glaze to your liking, though.

Right, let's get started. You know, these Cranberry Glazed Meatballs are a total game changer. Forget boring appetizers! Honestly, these little beauties are packed with flavour.

This holiday meatball recipe is my go to for any parties. I even made these for a cheeky game day once.

Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, before we dive into the cooking, let's make sure we've got everything we need. Nothing worse than getting halfway through and realising you're missing something, right?

Main Ingredients: Cranberry Magic

• Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) . Aim for an 80/20 blend. It's all about that flavour.
• Ground Pork: 1/2 lb (225g) . It will keep things juicy.
• Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (60g) . Panko or Italian seasoned.
• Yellow Onion: 1/4 cup (30g) , finely chopped.
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon .
• Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon , dried.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon , for browning.
• Cranberry Sauce: 1 (14-ounce/400g) can whole berry. This is the base of our Cranberry Meatball Sauce .
• Orange Juice: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• Ketchup: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons , packed.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon . This will add the tangy taste to your Cranberry Sauce For Meatballs .
• Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Ground Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon .
• Water: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Add more to get the perfect consistency.

Quality indicators? Look for a good marbling in your ground beef. And honestly, any whole berry cranberry sauce will do. Don't overthink it.

Seasoning Notes: Sweet and Tangy Harmony

The magic's in the combo! Cinnamon and cloves with that cranberry... oh my gosh! It's like Christmas in your mouth. Sweet and tangy perfection.

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. No apple cider vinegar? Lemon juice works in a pinch.

I have even used white wine vinegar. The Cranberry Glazed Meatball Appetizers are meant to be versatile!

Equipment Needed: Simple & Straightforward

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet (optional)
• Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid
• Measuring cups and spoons

No fancy gadgets needed! If you don't have a skillet, a large saucepan works. For alternatives to a Dutch oven, use a large pot or skillet.

I've even browned the meatballs on a foil lined baking sheet in the oven at 400° F ( 200° C) , it totally saves on the washing up.

That's my little secret, so you can get those amazing Appetizers With Cranberry Sauce ready

This recipe for Meatballs And Cranberry Sauce is a must try. These Party Meatball Recipes are perfect for the holidays or any game day.

The recipe is simple, but tasty. Now, are you ready to get cooking? I know I am!

Let's Get Rolling: Cranberry Kissed Meatballs for the Win!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good meatball? Especially when they are as easy to make as these Cranberry Glazed Meatballs ! These aren’t just any old meatballs.

I'm talking about juicy, savoury meatballs swimming in a sweet and tangy meatballs that will knock your socks off. Perfect for Holiday Meatball Recipe , Game Day Meatball Recipes , or even a cheeky Tuesday night treat.

Forget the boring appetizers with cranberry sauce this is where it's at!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Friend

First things first, let's get organised. This is what chefs call "mise en place" fancy, right? Basically, it just means getting everything ready before you start cooking.

Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and measure out all your ingredients. Trust me, it'll save you a massive headache later.

Oh, and if you're using the oven, preheat that bad boy to 400° F ( 200° C) !

Crank Out Those Meatballs: The step-by-step

1. Mix together your ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Don't overmix it! Remember, gentle is key .
2. Roll the mixture into 1 inch meatballs. I like to use a small ice cream scoop to get them all the same size.
3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Brown those meatballs in batches until they are golden brown on all sides. Or, bake them on a baking sheet at 400° F ( 200° C) for 15- 20 minutes!
4. In the same skillet, combine your cranberry sauce, orange juice, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and Dijon mustard. Hello Cranberry Meatball Sauce !
5. Bring the Cranberry Glaze for Meatballs to a simmer, then add in those lovely browned meatballs.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20- 25 minutes , until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Meatball Game

Want to take your Cranberry Glazed Meatball Appetizers to the next level? Here's the secret sauce. Don't be afraid to experiment with the glaze! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Browning the meatballs is not optional! It gives the dish way more depth of flavour. It's essential.

So there you have it! The easiest, most delicious party meatball recipes ever. Honestly, these Christmas Appetizer Meatballs are so good, they might just become your new signature dish.

Right, so you've got my Cranberry Kissed Meatballs recipe down. But before you dive in, let's chat about a few bits and bobs to make sure they turn out absolutely banging.

Think of this as your insider's guide to nailing these festive little sweet and tangy meatballs .

Recipe Tweaks and Tips

Nailing the Presentation

Right, presentation is everything, innit? For these Cranberry Glazed Meatball Appetizers , think small plates and big impact. A simple scattering of chopped parsley over the top adds a fresh pop of colour.

You could also get fancy and serve them in a mini crock pot or a chafing dish to keep them warm at a party.

Presentation for Christmas Appetizer Meatballs and Game Day Meatball Recipes can be the same!

Honestly, serving them with cute little cocktail sticks makes them super easy to grab and go. I have also served these over polenta, the options are endless.

Complementary Goodies

What goes well with Cranberry Glazed Meatballs ? Loads of things! Some crusty bread to mop up that gorgeous sauce is a must.

And if you're serving them as a main, roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple green salad would be lush. As for drinks, a crisp Pinot Grigio or even sparkling cider would be spot-on.

Mastering Storage and Leftovers

Keeping Them Fresh

If you've got any leftovers (highly unlikely, but hey), these Cranberry Glazed Meatballs will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop them in an airtight container.

Freezing for Later

Fancy making a batch ahead of time? Go for it! Let the meatballs cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.

They'll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating Like a Pro

Reheating is a doddle. You can either gently warm them up in a pan on the hob or microwave them until heated through.

If they're frozen, just add a bit of extra water to the pan when reheating to prevent them from drying out.

Spice It Up (Or Tone It Down)

Playing with Flavours

Want to mix things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Cranberry Meatball Sauce for a bit of heat.

Or, if you're not a fan of beef, try using ground turkey instead. It works a treat!

Seasonal Swapsies

Feeling adventurous? In the summer, you could swap out the cranberry sauce for a cranberry sauce for meatballs with fresh cherries or raspberries for a lighter, more summery vibe.

You know?, adapt these Appetizers With Cranberry Sauce to your mood.

Quick Nutrition Lowdown

The Basics

Okay, so each serving of these Cranberry Glazed Meatballs (around 4-5 meatballs) clocks in at roughly 350-400 calories. You're looking at around 20-25g of protein, 20-25g of fat, and 20-25g of carbs.

Obviously, this is just an estimate, but it gives you a rough idea.

Goodness Inside

Aside from being utterly delicious, these meatballs also offer a bit of goodness. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, and the meat provides a good source of protein.

Right, that's all the extra bits covered. Now get in the kitchen and start cooking! Honestly, once you’ve made these Holiday Meatball Recipe , I’m willing to bet you'll be making them again and again.

They are the perfect Party Meatball Recipes . And don't forget to let me know how they turn out! Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Cranberry Glazed Meatballs ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and the glaze separately a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the glaze and simmer the meatballs in it until they're warmed through.

It's like having a "Blue Peter" moment - get your preparation done early!

What's the best way to store leftover Cranberry Glazed Meatballs?

Leftovers are brilliant! Store your Cranberry Glazed Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave. Just make sure they're piping hot before serving, like a proper Sunday roast!

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch for these Cranberry Glazed Meatballs?

Yes, you can certainly use frozen meatballs to save time, especially if you're short on time. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the cranberry glaze. Simmer them in the glaze until they are heated through, ensuring they absorb all that delicious flavour.

They might not be quite as amazing as homemade, but they'll still be a crowd pleaser a bit like a cheeky Nando's!

I don't have orange juice what can I substitute in the Cranberry Glazed Meatballs recipe?

No worries, a simple substitution will do the trick! Apple juice or pineapple juice will work wonderfully as a substitute for orange juice in the glaze, adding a similar sweetness and acidity.

You could even use chicken broth or water in a pinch, but you might want to add a touch more sugar or another acidic element like a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors. Keep calm and carry on cooking!

Are there any variations I can try with these Cranberry Glazed Meatballs to make them extra special?

Definitely! To give them a bit of a "MasterChef" touch, try adding a splash of port wine or balsamic vinegar to the cranberry glaze for extra depth. You could also stir in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavour. A pinch of red pepper flakes will also add a little warmth to the pallet.

Get creative and see what you create.

Can I make these Cranberry Glazed Meatballs in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Brown the meatballs first, then transfer them to your slow cooker. Pour the cranberry glaze over the meatballs and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the glaze has thickened. This is a great option for parties, as it keeps the meatballs warm and ready to serve.

Consider it a proper "set it and forget it" situation!