Cranberry Meatballs

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Sweet, tangy, and savory, Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect blend of flavors to bring a festive touch to any gathering. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these deliciously saucy meatballs are sure to be a hit. With their balance of sweet cranberry sauce and savory seasonings, they’re a holiday favorite that’s simple to prepare and versatile for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Meatballs

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
  • Holiday-Inspired Flavors: The cranberry-based sauce evokes warm holiday vibes.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer or pair with rice or noodles for a hearty meal.
  • Easy to Make: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is as straightforward as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • Ground Turkey, Beef, or Chicken (1 lb): The base for the meatballs, offering flexibility in protein choice.
  • Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
  • Egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold the mixture together.
  • Milk (¼ cup): Adds moisture to the meatballs, ensuring they stay soft.
  • Onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Provides a mild sweetness and savory depth.
  • Garlic (1 clove, minced): Enhances the savory flavor.
  • Salt (½ tsp): Balances the flavors.
  • Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds subtle heat.
  • Ground Sage or Thyme (¼ tsp, optional): Brings a touch of herbal warmth, perfect for the holidays.

For the Sauce

  • Jellied Cranberry Sauce (1 can, 14 oz): Forms the sweet and tangy base of the sauce.
  • Chili Sauce or Ketchup (½ cup): Adds a savory element with a hint of spice.
  • Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Balances the tanginess with a touch of sweetness.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Adds acidity to brighten the sauce and balance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the meatballs from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and sage or thyme (if using).
  2. Mix gently until all the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs dense.
  3. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for poultry or 160°F (71°C) for beef.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce or ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine the Meatballs and Sauce

  1. Add the baked meatballs to the saucepan. Gently stir to coat them evenly in the sauce.
  2. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of color.

Tips for Success

Perfect Meatball Texture

  • Use a Light Touch: Mix the ingredients gently and avoid compacting the meatballs too tightly when shaping them.
  • Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure the meatballs are the same size, which helps them cook evenly.

Sauce Consistency

  • Smooth Sauce: Break up the jellied cranberry sauce with a whisk while heating to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding the meatballs and adjust the brown sugar or vinegar to suit your preference.

Flavor Boosters

  • Add Heat: For a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Herbaceous Touch: Add chopped fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra depth.

Variations

Protein Options

  • Lean Ground Pork: Swap the turkey or beef for ground pork for a slightly richer flavor.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Sauce Twists

  • Orange Cranberry: Add 2 tablespoons of orange juice and a teaspoon of zest to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
  • BBQ Cranberry: Replace chili sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.

Gluten-Free

  • Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free option.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Place the cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

  • Stovetop: Warm the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Make-Ahead

  • Prepare in Advance: Make the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Warm them in the sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Appetizer: Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
  • Main Dish: Pair with white rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
  • Side Dishes: Serve with roasted vegetables, a green salad, or crusty bread to round out the meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of sweet, tangy cranberry sauce and savory meatballs creates a perfect balance of flavors. The jellied cranberry sauce provides a smooth, luscious base, while the chili sauce or ketchup adds a hint of spice and richness. The baked meatballs are tender, juicy, and soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.

This recipe is straightforward, adaptable, and ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday party or a weeknight dinner, these cranberry meatballs deliver on taste and ease.

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs
  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 15g

For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey or chicken and reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Meatballs are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Their sweet and tangy flavors, combined with tender, juicy meatballs, make them a standout choice for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.

Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs are sure to impress. Try them for your next event or cozy meal at home—you’ll love the festive, flavorful results! 🦃✨

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