Easy Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer

The combination of flavors in the Easy Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer is truly magical. As you take a bite, the tangy sweetness of the cranberries and the richness of the meat explode in a delightful fusion of flavors that is both familiar and refreshing. The aroma of these succulent meatballs wafting through the air is an irresistible invitation to indulge in a culinary treat.

This Easy Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer recipe stands out from the rest for its ease of preparation and impressive flavor profile, making it an ideal addition to your holiday gatherings. If you’re interested in exploring more delicious appetizer ideas, you can always come back to our Easy Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer section for inspiration.

Why This Recipe Works

• The perfect balance of spices in the meat mixture creates a deliciously rich flavor that complements the sweet and tangy cranberries.
• This recipe requires minimal preparation time and effort, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday seasons.
• The fresh taste of cranberries elevates the dish to a whole new level, offering a delightful contrast to the savory meat.

Key Ingredients

Choose fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen cranberries may be a suitable substitute if fresh ones are not available. Tip: Fresh cranberries are easy to incorporate into various dishes during the holiday season. Check out How to make Easy Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer for more recipe ideas.

When selecting ground beef, choose a leaner option for better texture and flavor.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Easy Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 minced garlic clove

1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare the baking sheet by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.

2

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until the meat is evenly seasoned.

3

Slowly add the cranberries to the meat mixture and continue to mix until the cranberries are evenly distributed. Use your hands to form the meat mixture into balls, roughly the size of a small egg.

4

Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a 1-inch gap between them. Drizzle with olive oil and gently roll the balls to coat evenly with the oil.

5

Bake the meatballs in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the oven and dip each one in the prepared cranberry glaze (see the notes section below).

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.