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To make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, you need a few key items. Here’s what you'll need: - 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped These ingredients come together to create a tasty and festive dish. The meats provide a savory base, while the cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy kick. You can enhance the flavor of your meatballs with some optional ingredients. Consider adding: - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky taste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for depth - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion for extra moisture - 1/4 cup chopped nuts for crunch These extras can give your meatballs a unique twist. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste preferences. If you're missing an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some simple substitutions: - Use ground chicken instead of turkey or beef for a lighter option. - Swap breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats if needed. - Try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version. These swaps keep the spirit of the dish alive while making it easier for you to cook. Enjoy crafting your Christmas Cranberry Meatballs! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix these ingredients: - 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Combine everything well. You want all the flavors to blend. Next, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Place the meatballs on the baking sheet. Now, it’s time to bake! Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown and cooked through. To check, cut one open; it should be no longer pink inside. While the meatballs bake, let’s make the sauce. In a saucepan, mix together: - 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir until it warms up and thickens, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the meatballs are done, take them out of the oven. Add them to the saucepan and gently toss to coat. Let them simmer for 5 minutes. This helps the meatballs soak in the tasty sauce. To make juicy meatballs, use ground turkey or beef with some fat. The fat helps keep them moist. Mix the meat gently with your hands. Over-mixing makes them tough. Add breadcrumbs and cheese for texture, and don’t forget the egg! It binds everything. Also, season well with salt and pepper. This adds flavor. Bake them just until golden brown. This usually takes 20 to 25 minutes. You can prepare these meatballs ahead of time. Just make the meatballs and place them on a tray. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a bag. They will not stick together. To cook, you can bake them straight from the freezer. Simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For the sauce, you can also make it ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When serving these festive meatballs, presentation matters. Use a bright platter and garnish with fresh parsley. This adds color and makes it festive. Drizzle extra cranberry sauce over the top for a beautiful look. Use toothpicks for easy serving. You can also pair them with small bread rolls. This makes them fun finger foods. Offer some festive drinks like punch or spiced cider to complete the experience. Pro Tips Choose the Right Meat: Ground turkey is a healthier option, but ground beef provides more flavor. Select based on your preference or dietary needs. Perfectly Sized Meatballs: Aim for uniformity in size when forming meatballs to ensure even cooking. A scoop can help maintain consistency. Enhance the Sauce: For a more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the cranberry sauce mixture. Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then reheat before serving for convenience. {{image_2}} You can switch out the meat in this recipe. Ground chicken works well for a lighter dish. If you prefer beef, use lean ground beef. For a richer flavor, consider ground lamb. Each option brings a unique taste to your meatballs. To make vegetarian meatballs, use a mix of lentils and mushrooms. They add great texture and flavor. For a vegan option, use flaxseed meal as a binder instead of egg. Also, choose plant-based meat alternatives, like crumbled tempeh, for the base. These options make the dish suitable for everyone. While cranberry sauce shines, you can explore other flavors. Try a barbecue sauce for a smoky twist. A sweet chili sauce can add heat and sweetness. For a unique touch, mix cranberry with orange juice for citrus notes. Each sauce will change the meatballs’ flavor profile dramatically. To keep your leftover meatballs fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to keep the cranberry sauce with the meatballs for added flavor. When you're ready to enjoy your meatballs again, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or stove. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. For the stove, warm them on low heat in a pan. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. If you want to save meatballs for later, freezing is a great option. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out extra air to prevent freezer burn. They will stay good for up to three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can use ground chicken. It will work well in this recipe. Ground chicken has a lighter flavor. It also keeps the meatballs moist. Make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. You can keep leftover meatballs for about three to four days. Store them in an airtight container. Always place them in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. These meatballs pair well with various sides. You might try mashed potatoes or rice. They also go great with a fresh salad. For a festive touch, serve them with roasted vegetables. Don’t forget toothpicks for easy serving! Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. You can prepare and bake them a day before. Just reheat them in the oven or on the stove. This saves time on the party day, letting you enjoy the fun! This blog post covered how to make tasty Christmas cranberry meatballs. You learned about the main and optional ingredients. I shared tips for making juicy meatballs and how to store leftovers. You can even adapt the recipe for different diets or flavors. Incorporating these ideas will help you impress your guests. Enjoy making this festive dish!

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground turkey or beef, served in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey (or beef), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  • Form the mixture into small meatballs, around 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce by combining the cranberry sauce, mustard, honey, and rosemary in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until heated through and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and place them in the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
  • Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Notes

Serve on a festive platter garnished with extra parsley and drizzle some cranberry sauce over the top. Use toothpicks for easy serving.
Keyword appetizer, cranberry, holiday, meatballs