Bring the flavors of the holidays to your next gathering with these irresistible Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs! Whether you’re hosting a festive cocktail party or need an easy yet impressive appetizer, these juicy, saucy meatballs are sure to be the star of the show. Bursting with vibrant cranberry flavor and a touch of warmth from spices, they’re the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and utterly craveable.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs for Holiday Parties
These Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs are a true crowd-pleaser that will have your guests raving. They’re easy to make ahead of time, making them the perfect no-fuss appetizer for busy holiday hosting. The zesty, festive cranberry glaze pairs beautifully with the tender, flavorful meatballs, creating an irresistible bite-sized treat. Plus, they’re loaded with comforting, cozy flavors that will have your guests coming back for more. Get ready to wow your holiday crowd with this epic, flavor-packed recipe!
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple list of ingredients that come together to create the most delectable Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs. You’ll need ground beef, breadcrumbs, an egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper to make the meatballs, plus cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices for the irresistible glaze.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1/2 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 1 – Egg
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup – Onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp – Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/4 tsp – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or pork (for a different flavor profile)
- Cranberry Sauce: Fresh or frozen cranberries (for a tangier glaze)
How to Make Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs for Holiday Parties
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs for your holiday celebration.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Roll the meatball mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1-inch in diameter, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the meatballs are baking, make the cranberry glaze. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the warm cranberry glaze until they’re evenly coated. Serve the Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs warm, garnished with fresh parsley or rosemary for a festive touch.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a kick of heat.
- Hearty Meatballs: Use a combination of ground meats, such as beef and pork, for an even more flavorful meatball.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy dinner rolls.
- Dairy-Free Swap: Omit the egg or use a vegan egg substitute in the meatball mixture to make these meatballs dairy-free.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy dinner rolls, or a fresh salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the meatballs in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: The meatballs can be formed and baked a day or two in advance, then tossed in the cranberry glaze just before serving.
Nutrition Information
These Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs provide a delicious dose of protein, with a touch of complex carbohydrates from the breadcrumbs and natural sweetness from the cranberry glaze. They’re a well-balanced and satisfying appetizer that will leave your guests feeling nourished and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 17 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! The meatballs can be formed and baked a day or two in advance, then tossed in the cranberry glaze just before serving.
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can certainly use pre-made frozen meatballs for a shortcut. Simply bake them according to the package instructions, then toss them in the cranberry glaze.
How can I make these meatballs dairy-free?
To make these Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs dairy-free, simply omit the egg or use a vegan egg substitute in the meatball mixture.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these meatballs gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko in the meatball mixture.
How can I make these meatballs in the slow cooker?
To make these meatballs in the slow cooker, bake the meatballs as directed, then add them to the slow cooker with the cranberry glaze. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the glaze has thickened.
Try These Next
- Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs For Holiday Parties
- Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Bites For Holiday Gatherings
- Stuffed Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins For Holiday Parties
Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs for Festive Holiday Gatherings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delicious cranberry-glazed meatballs are perfect for holiday parties, combining savory flavors with a sweet, tangy glaze.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the cranberry glaze to coat well.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen. Simply reheat in the glaze before serving.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less cranberry sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatballs, cranberry glaze, holiday appetizers