The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, and what better way to bring people together than with a platter of irresistible, flavor-packed meatballs? Introducing our Festive Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs – a delectable fusion of cozy comfort, bold zestiness, and a touch of holiday cheer. These juicy meatballs are smothered in a velvety, lush cranberry-orange glaze that will have your guests coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Festive Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs
These Festive Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs are the perfect holiday showstopper, bursting with festive flavors and a satisfying texture. The meatballs are deliciously tender and infused with warm spices, while the vibrant cranberry-orange glaze adds a bright, tangy-sweet element that perfectly complements the savory meat. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, with its irresistible combination of cozy comfort and bold, zesty flavors. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a hassle-free addition to your holiday menu.
Ingredients
The key ingredients in this recipe are ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a blend of spices to season the meatballs. The cranberry-orange glaze features fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and a touch of cornstarch to thicken it up. Together, these elements create a harmonious blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
- 1 lb – Ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Onion powder
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 12 oz – Fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup – Orange juice
- 1/2 cup – Granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp – Cornstarch
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: You can use ground chicken or pork instead of beef or turkey (for different flavors and textures).
- Sweetener: Swap the sugar in the glaze for honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
How to Make Festive Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs
Making these Festive Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs is a breeze. Let’s walk through the steps:
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 meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until well-incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the meat mixture into bite-sized meatballs 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, prepare the cranberry-orange glaze. In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and sugar. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the glaze has thickened. Carefully transfer the baked meatballs to the saucepan and gently toss them in the glaze until they’re evenly coated.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the cranberry-orange glaze for a touch of heat.
- Herb Blend: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or nutmeg, to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Thicker Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, whisk in a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder at the end of the cooking process.
- Flavor Variation: For a different spin, try using a combination of cranberries and pomegranate seeds in the glaze.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Festive Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs are perfect for holiday parties, casual gatherings, or even as a main dish accompanied by mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Storage: Any leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for longer-term storage.
Reheat: To reheat the meatballs, simply place them in a saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs ahead of time and reheat them with the cranberry-orange glaze when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These Festive Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs are a satisfying and nutritious option, with a good amount of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. They also provide a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants from the cranberries and orange juice.
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs ahead of time and reheat them with the cranberry-orange glaze when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great in this recipe. Simply add them directly to the saucepan with the orange juice and sugar, and cook until the glaze has thickened.
What’s the best way to keep the meatballs warm for a party?
To keep the meatballs warm and saucy during a party, you can transfer them to a slow cooker or chafing dish set to the “warm” setting. This will help maintain their temperature and prevent the glaze from drying out.
Can I make these meatballs without dairy?
Yes, this recipe is dairy-free. The meatballs are made without any dairy ingredients, and the cranberry-orange glaze is also dairy-free.
How can I make these meatballs keto-friendly?
To make these meatballs keto-friendly, simply swap out the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds. You can also use a low-carb sweetener in place of the sugar in the cranberry-orange glaze.
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Festive Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive cranberry orange glazed meatballs are the perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings. Juicy meatballs are coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange sauce that will delight your guests!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by combining cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Stir until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
7. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan and toss to coat with the glaze.
8. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated in the glaze before serving. For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the glaze!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: meatballs, cranberry, orange, holiday, appetizer