Name: Christmas Cranberry Meatballs: 5 Festive Recipes to Try
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 oz Jellied cranberry sauce (canned); 12 oz Chili sauce (1 bottle, Heinz preferred); 1/4 cup Brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (for sauce); 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper; 64 oz Frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey, 2 bags for high protein); 2 pounds Extra lean ground beef or turkey breast (93/7 or leaner, for homemade option); 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for homemade meatballs); 2 Eggs (for homemade meatballs); 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs or oat flour (for homemade meatballs); 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (for homemade meatballs); 1 teaspoon Onion powder (for homemade meatballs); Salt and pepper (to taste, for homemade meatballs); Fresh parsley or rosemary (optional garnish)

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Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the ultimate sweet-savory appetizer for your holiday party. Juicy meatballs are simmered in a festive cranberry-chili sauce that’s tangy, rich, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a delicious treat, these meatballs will elevate your festive table and warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

There are countless reasons to adore these holiday cranberry meatballs. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for those busy nights when time is limited. Second, they offer a delightful blend of flavors, combining sweet and sour elements to create a unique taste sensation. Third, they’re versatile; you can use them for various occasions, from holiday parties to cozy family dinners. Fourth, they can be made gluten-free, accommodating various dietary needs. Fifth, this dish can be prepared in advance, making it convenient for entertaining. Finally, they are a protein-packed option that will satisfy everyone at the table, making them the best cranberry meatballs for Christmas dinner.

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Gather these items:

14 oz Jellied cranberry sauce (canned)
12 oz Chili sauce (1 bottle, Heinz preferred)
1/4 cup Brown sugar
1 teaspoon Garlic powder (for sauce)
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
64 oz Frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey, 2 bags for high protein)
2 pounds Extra lean ground beef or turkey breast (93/7 or leaner, for homemade option)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for homemade meatballs)
2 Eggs (for homemade meatballs)
1/2 cup Breadcrumbs or oat flour (for homemade meatballs)
1 teaspoon Garlic powder (for homemade meatballs)
1 teaspoon Onion powder (for homemade meatballs)
Salt and pepper (to taste, for homemade meatballs)
Fresh parsley or rosemary (optional garnish)

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: For store-bought meatballs: Add the frozen meatballs (2 bags, about 64 oz total) directly into the sauce without thawing. Stir gently to coat evenly.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: For homemade high-protein meatballs: Mix ground meat, Greek yogurt, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
Step 5: Form mixture into 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
Step 7: Add baked meatballs to the prepared sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 8: Transfer to a serving bowl or slow cooker set to warm. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary if desired. Serve hot.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Keep these in mind:

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavors.
For a spicy cranberry meatballs twist, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
If you’re preparing these as a cranberry meatballs appetizer for holiday parties, consider serving them with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

These meatballs shine on their own, but you can enhance your presentation. Serve them on a beautiful platter with fresh herbs sprinkled around. For a festive touch, pair them with cheese cubes or crackers. They also go wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes or rice, making them an excellent choice for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. For meal prep, these meatballs freeze well; just make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This recipe, taking only 30 minutes total, is perfect for quick dinners or last-minute gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Cranberry Meatballs?

The key is to let the meatballs simmer in the sauce, allowing them to absorb the sweet and tangy flavors fully. This technique is essential for making sweet and sour cranberry meatballs.

Can I make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat them in the sauce for a delicious, hassle-free appetizer.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Cranberry Meatballs?

One common mistake is not allowing the sauce to thicken properly. Make sure to simmer the sauce long enough before adding the meatballs. This will ensure that your festive cranberry meatballs recipe turns out perfectly every time.

Variations of Christmas Cranberry Meatballs You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients. You can create gluten-free cranberry meatballs for the holidays by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a Mediterranean twist, add feta cheese and serve with a tzatziki sauce. If you want something a bit spicier, try adding jalapeños to the mixture for a kick. There are endless possibilities to make each batch unique!

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For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes, or try making mini cranberry cheesecakes for dessert. You can also explore pork tenderloin with cranberry for a festive main dish.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a comforting side, consider cheesy chicken noodle soup to warm up your holiday gatherings.