These Christmas cranberry meatballs are the ultimate holiday appetizer! Juicy, tender meatballs are coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze that’s bursting with festive flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or cozying up with family, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These cranberry meatballs are:

A perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors
Super easy to make with minimal prep
A festive dish that’s great for holiday gatherings
Versatile—serve them as appetizers or pair with sides for a main course

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need for these festive meatballs:

Ground beef or a beef/pork blend
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic powder and onion powder
Cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
Chili sauce or ketchup
Brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce

The full ingredient list and measurements are below in the recipe card!

Directions

Make the meatballs
In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Prepare the cranberry sauce
While the meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Toss the meatballs in the sauce
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Toss until the meatballs are fully coated in the sauce.
Serve warm
Place the meatballs in a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary, and serve with toothpicks for easy eating.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overmix the meat mixture—this keeps the meatballs tender.
Use a cookie scoop to make uniform-sized meatballs for even cooking.
For an extra festive touch, add a splash of orange juice or zest to the cranberry sauce.
Make the meatballs ahead of time and toss them in the sauce just before serving.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of spice.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a slightly crispier texture.
Make the sauce with lingonberry or red currant preserves for a twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These cranberry meatballs shine as an appetizer, served with toothpicks on a platter. They also pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a heartier meal. Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a festive green salad to round out your holiday spread.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. For a longer shelf life, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! If you’re short on time, use pre-made frozen meatballs. Cook them as directed on the package, then toss in the cranberry sauce.

Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. After baking or browning the meatballs, transfer them to a slow cooker, pour the cranberry sauce over, and cook on low for 2–3 hours.

What if I don’t have chili sauce?
You can substitute it with ketchup mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar and a pinch of sugar.

Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Adjust the sweetness by using unsweetened cranberry sauce and reducing the amount of brown sugar.

Conclusion

These Christmas cranberry meatballs are a holiday must-have! Easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd, they’re a festive addition to any celebration. Whether you’re making them for a party or a cozy dinner, they’ll bring a touch of holiday magic to your table. Let me know how they turned out—I’d love to hear about your holiday spread!

Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the ultimate holiday appetizer! Juicy, tender meatballs are coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser for festive gatherings. Whether served at a Christmas party or a cozy family dinner, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Make the cranberry sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
Toss the cooked meatballs in the warm cranberry sauce until fully coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

You can use frozen meatballs for convenience. Simply bake or heat them according to package instructions before tossing in the cranberry sauce.
For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated in the sauce just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5 meatballs with sauce
Calories: ~290 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 65 mg