Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect sweet and savory appetizer to serve during the holiday season. These juicy meatballs are simmered in a rich cranberry and chili sauce blend, creating a festive flavor profile that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. Whether you’re planning a Christmas party, a family dinner, or a potluck celebration, these meatballs will be a hit with guests of all ages. They’re easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and are ideal for keeping warm in a slow cooker throughout your gathering. The sweet tang from the cranberry sauce combined with a slight kick from the chili creates a deliciously balanced glaze that coats the meatballs beautifully. This holiday twist on a classic meatball recipe adds just the right touch of seasonal cheer to your menu.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1:
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:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until well combined, but avoid overmixing as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 3:
Form the mixture into small, uniform meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each one. This recipe should yield about 40 meatballs.
Step 4:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. You can also pan-fry the meatballs if you prefer a crispier exterior.
Step 5:
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir occasionally until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan and gently toss to coat them evenly in the sauce. Simmer for another 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. For parties, you can also place the meatballs and sauce into a slow cooker set to low or warm to keep them hot throughout your event.
Variation
For a tangier twist, use whole-berry cranberry sauce instead of jellied cranberry sauce. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a spicier version. Turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter option. You can also add finely chopped parsley or thyme to the meat mixture for an herbaceous depth of flavor.
Cooking Note:
Make sure not to overcrowd your baking sheet so that the meatballs bake evenly. If you’re doubling the recipe for a large group, bake the meatballs in batches or use multiple trays. For extra smooth sauce, use a whisk to break up the cranberry sauce thoroughly while heating.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs on a festive platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They pair well with holiday punch, mulled wine, or sparkling cider. You can also serve them over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a more filling dish. Add fresh rosemary or cranberries on the platter for a decorative holiday touch.
Tips:
- These meatballs can be made a day in advance and reheated in the sauce before serving.
- Freeze baked meatballs without the sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized meatballs.
- Simmering the meatballs in the sauce helps them absorb more flavor and keeps them juicy.
- Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 4 meatballs):
Calories: 320
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 480mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
- Yes. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs. Simply cook them according to the package directions, then simmer in the cranberry sauce for 10–15 minutes.
What’s the best way to keep them warm at a party?
- A slow cooker is ideal. Set it on “warm” or “low” and let the meatballs sit in the sauce for easy self-serve.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
- Yes. Reduce the amount of cranberry sauce slightly or increase the chili sauce for more heat. You can also use unsweetened cranberry sauce and adjust to taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely. You can make both the meatballs and the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately or together in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker.
What can I serve these meatballs with for a main dish?
- They go great with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or even as a filling in a hoagie roll for a meatball sandwich.
Conclusion
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive, crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and cheer to any holiday gathering. Their unique combination of sweet and savory flavors makes them stand out from ordinary appetizers, and their ease of preparation makes them a favorite for busy holiday hosts. Whether served at a Christmas Eve dinner, holiday potluck, or New Year’s celebration, these meatballs offer a seasonal twist that guests will remember. Versatile, make-ahead friendly, and adaptable to dietary preferences, they deserve a spot on your holiday menu year after year.