Cranberry glazed meatballs are a festive appetizer or main dish that combines juicy homemade meatballs with a glossy, sweet-tangy cranberry glaze. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner.
The glaze balances tart cranberry sauce with savory seasonings, creating an irresistible bite-sized dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether served as cocktail meatballs on toothpicks or over rice for a full meal, this recipe is versatile, flavorful, and simple to make.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For the Cranberry Glaze:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- ½ cup chili sauce (or ketchup)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Mix until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until cooked through and browned.
Step 3: Make the Cranberry Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring, until sauce is glossy and smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Coat
- Add cooked meatballs to the saucepan and toss gently to coat in glaze.
- Simmer an additional 2–3 minutes to let flavors blend.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer to a serving dish or slow cooker set to warm if serving at a party.
Variations
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook meatballs as directed, then add to slow cooker with glaze and heat on low for 2–3 hours.
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Swap beef for leaner meat.
- Spicy Kick: Add more chili sauce or hot sauce.
- Cranberry BBQ Meatballs: Use BBQ sauce instead of chili sauce for smoky flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t overmix meatball mixture; it makes them tough.
- Baking meatballs keeps them juicy and avoids stovetop splatter.
- Sauce thickens as it cools, so serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as cocktail meatballs with toothpicks at parties.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a full meal.
- Add to holiday appetizer spreads with cheese boards and dips.
Tips
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
- Line baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Keep meatballs warm in a slow cooker during parties.
- Make extra glaze for dipping.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 19g
- Sodium: 580mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen meatballs?
- Yes, cook frozen meatballs as directed, then coat in glaze.
Q2: Can I make cranberry glazed meatballs ahead?
- Yes, cook meatballs and glaze separately, refrigerate, then combine before serving.
Q3: Can I freeze cranberry glazed meatballs?
- Yes, freeze cooked meatballs and glaze separately, then reheat together.
Q4: What’s the best cranberry sauce to use?
- Whole berry adds texture, while jellied creates a smoother glaze.
Q5: Can I make them gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Conclusion
Cranberry glazed meatballs are a sweet, tangy, and savory dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Perfect for holiday parties, game day, or family dinners, these meatballs are easy to prepare and always a hit. With a glossy cranberry glaze and tender homemade meatballs, this recipe is sure to become a festive favorite.