Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful fusion of savory and sweet, creating a festive dish that is not only packed with flavor but also brings a healthy option to your holiday table. With their juicy texture, melted Parmesan, and a luscious cranberry glaze, these meatballs are a perfect way to celebrate the season while keeping health in mind. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or searching for a quick weeknight meal, these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are sure to impress.
Why make this Christmas Cranberry Meatballs recipe
- Protein-rich: Packed with protein from ground meat, these meatballs help fuel your body through the busy holiday season.
- Quick prep: With an easy prep time, you can whip these up in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
- Meal-prep friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time and simply reheat for a delicious meal ready in minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Using simple ingredients, Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a wallet-friendly option for holiday entertaining.
- Kid-approved: The sweet and savory combination is sure to be a hit with the whole family, making dinner stress-free.
"These meatballs were such a hit at our holiday party! Everyone loved the cranberry glaze!"
How to make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Making Christmas Cranberry Meatballs is a straightforward process. You’ll need basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and saucepan. Follow along as we guide you through easy steps to create these festive bites! For additional meal ideas, check out our Healthy 20-Minute Chicken Stir-Fry.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients work wonderfully together to give your Christmas Cranberry Meatballs a unique flavor. If you want to mix things up, feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken for a lighter option or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to cater to dietary needs.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, heat cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until warm.
- Toss the baked meatballs in the cranberry sauce just before serving.
For more delicious ideas during the holiday season, check out our Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
How to serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs can be served as an elegant appetizer or a main dish over rice or quinoa. For a festive touch, garnish with extra parsley or serve alongside roasted vegetables. Nutritionally, these meatballs offer a satisfying balance of protein and healthy carbs, making them a complete meal on their own. If you’re looking for hearty sides, consider our Creamy Chicken Casserole.
How to store
Allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. For safe storage timing, see USDA FoodData Central.
Tips to make
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs are cooked through; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Consider mixing in some chopped nuts for additional crunch and flavor.
- For an added layer of flavor, experiment with spices like garlic powder or onion powder.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs to achieve the proper consistency.
Variations
You can easily adapt the recipe to suit various dietary preferences. For a low-carb version, swap breadcrumbs with ground almonds or coconut flour. To infuse different flavors, experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or try a barbecue sauce instead of cranberry sauce for a tangy twist.
FAQs
Can I make these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Christmas Cranberry Meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for later cooking.
What type of meat can I use for the meatballs?
You can use beef, pork, or turkey as your choice of ground meat for the Christmas Cranberry Meatballs.
How do I ensure my meatballs are juicy?
Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture and keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent dryness.
Can I substitute cranberry sauce with something else?
Yes, you can use barbecue sauce or a homemade fruit sauce for a different flavor profile with your Christmas Cranberry Meatballs.
For further tips on healthy eating, visit Healthline.
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are sure to become a beloved addition to your holiday recipes. We encourage you to try them, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey) Choose your preferred ground meat.
- 1 cup bread crumbs Can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley For freshness and garnish.
Cranberry Sauce Glaze
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
Cooking
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, heat cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until warm.
- Toss the baked meatballs in the cranberry sauce just before serving.