Festive Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade) The main ingredients in this recipe create a rich base for the meatballs. Ground beef gives them a hearty flavor. Breadcrumbs provide the right texture, making them tender. Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick. Onions and garlic bring depth to each bite. The egg helps bind everything together, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape. - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce These additional flavorings are key to the glaze. Dried thyme adds a warm, earthy note. Apple cider vinegar balances sweetness and acidity. Brown sugar enhances the glaze, giving it a caramelized finish. Dijon mustard offers a subtle tang, while Worcestershire sauce rounds out the flavor profile with umami. - Fresh parsley, chopped Fresh parsley is a simple yet effective garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness. Just sprinkle it over the meatballs before serving. This small touch makes your dish look festive and inviting. These ingredients together create a delicious holiday treat. They bring out the best in meatballs, making them a hit at any gathering. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Setting the Oven Temperature First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step makes sure the meatballs cook evenly. - Lining the Baking Sheet Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the meatballs not stick and makes cleanup easy. - Combining All Components In a large bowl, add ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix these well using your hands or a spoon until everything blends together. - Ensuring Even Distribution Check that all ingredients are evenly mixed. This ensures every bite is tasty and packed with flavor. - Rolling the Meatballs Take about a tablespoon of the meat mixture. Roll it into a ball about 1 inch wide. Place the meatballs on the lined sheet, leaving space between them. - Baking Process and Timing Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes. This helps them start to cook. - Making the Glaze In a separate bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Make sure it is smooth and mixed well. - Coating the Meatballs After 20 minutes, take the meatballs out of the oven. Pour half of the glaze over them. Gently toss the meatballs to coat them well. - Baking Duration Return the meatballs to the oven. Bake for another 10 minutes until they are cooked through and caramelized. - Cooling and Presenting When they are done, let them cool for a few minutes. Place the meatballs on a serving dish. For a nice touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Enjoy your festive treat! To make tasty meatballs, mix your ingredients well. I find using my hands gives the best results. It helps blend the flavors and keeps the texture just right. Be careful not to overmix. This can make them tough. Adjust your cooking time if you make larger meatballs. If they are bigger than one inch, add a few extra minutes in the oven. Always check that they reach 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat. You can use store-bought cranberry sauce for quick prep. However, I love making my own glaze. Start with fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. It adds a nice touch. To enhance the flavor, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. A splash of orange juice also brightens it up. Experimenting with flavors can help you find what you love the most. For a festive look, arrange the meatballs on a pretty platter. Drizzle extra cranberry sauce on top for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley around the meatballs. This adds a nice green touch. If you have toothpicks, set them out for easy serving. It makes your dish fun and easy for guests to enjoy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality ground beef can significantly enhance the flavor of your meatballs, making them more delicious and aromatic. Adjust the Glaze: Feel free to tweak the cranberry glaze by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice for an extra layer of flavor that complements the meatballs. Meatball Size Matters: Ensure your meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter for the best results. Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them uncooked. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. {{image_4}} Ground Turkey or Chicken Alternatives You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These meats are leaner. They will still taste great with the cranberry glaze. Just keep the same amount in the recipe. Gluten-Free Breadcrumb Options If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work well in meatballs. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers. This swap keeps the texture nice and tasty. Spicy Variations with Hot Sauce Want some heat? Add a few drops of hot sauce to the meatball mix. This will give your meatballs a spicy kick. Adjust to your taste. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top of the glaze for extra flavor. Adding Different Herbs For a twist, try different herbs. Basil or oregano can add new flavors. You can mix them in with the thyme. Fresh herbs offer a nice aroma and taste. Experiment to find your favorite blend! Pairing with Other Appetizers These meatballs pair nicely with cheese and crackers. Serve them with veggie trays or chips. They make a great addition to any holiday spread. Creative Side Dish Ideas For sides, consider mashed potatoes or rice. They soak up the glaze well. You could also serve them with a fresh salad. This adds color and crunch to your meal. - Best Practices for Refrigeration After your feast, let the meatballs cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. - Freezing Meatballs for Future Use If you have more meatballs than you can eat, freeze them! First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Methods for Reheating Without Drying Out To reheat, use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15 minutes. This keeps them juicy and warm. - Tips for Maintaining Flavor You can also reheat them in a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Heat on medium until warm. This adds flavor and keeps them from drying out. Enjoy your tasty meatballs just like fresh! You should bake the meatballs for 30 minutes in total. Start by baking them for 20 minutes. Then, add the rest of the cranberry glaze and bake for another 10 minutes. This ensures they cook well and soak in the sauce. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead. Mix the meatball ingredients and shape them. Then, place them on a tray and cover with plastic wrap. You can store them in the fridge for one day. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw before baking. Cranberry meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - Rice pilaf - Green salad - Dinner rolls For drinks, try sparkling cider or a light red wine to enhance the flavors. Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just bake them according to the package instructions first. Then, prepare the cranberry glaze as usual. Coat the cooked frozen meatballs in the glaze. Bake them again for 10 minutes to heat everything through. This blog covered how to make delicious Christmas Cranberry Meatballs from scratch. We explored the key ingredients, mixing and cooking steps, and even made a tasty cranberry glaze. You now have tips for perfecting your meatballs and variations to try. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly and reheat them without losing flavor. Enjoying these meatballs at your next gathering will surely impress your guests. With practice, you can create a dish everyone will love and remember.$

Festive Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cranberry sauce
0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball shape, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Pour half of the cranberry glaze over the meatballs on the baking sheet and toss to coat evenly.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Drizzle the remaining cranberry glaze over the top and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the meatballs to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a serving dish.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the meatballs for garnish.

Notes

For a festive look, arrange the meatballs on a decorative platter. Drizzle extra cranberry sauce on top and scatter fresh parsley around the dish for an added splash of color. Providing toothpicks will make it easy for guests to enjoy these delightful bites during holiday gatherings!

Keyword cranberry, holiday, meatballs