The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious, comforting fare. This Holiday Spiced Cranberry BBQ Meatballs recipe is the perfect blend of festive flavors and easy-to-make heartiness. Prepare to wow your guests with these juicy, zesty meatballs that are loaded with the cozy, bright notes of cranberry and holiday spices.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Spiced Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
These holiday-inspired meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. The combination of savory, tender meatballs with a vibrant, tangy cranberry BBQ sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The recipe is easy to prepare, making it the perfect option for hosting holiday gatherings or enjoying as a cozy weeknight meal. Plus, the festive colors and aromas will fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting essence of the season.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this recipe include ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a blend of holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The star of the show is the homemade cranberry BBQ sauce, which features fresh or frozen cranberries, a touch of brown sugar, and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices.
- 1 lb – Ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs
- 1 tsp – Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp – Nutmeg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground meat: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Breadcrumbs: Substitute with Panko breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
How to Make Holiday Spiced Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious batch of Holiday Spiced Cranberry BBQ Meatballs:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and holiday spices. Mix until the ingredients are well-incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place 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 BBQ sauce by simmering 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt, cinnamon, and cloves until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes. Once the meatballs are ready, toss them in the warm cranberry BBQ sauce until they’re fully coated.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Creamy Sauce: For a creamier, more indulgent sauce, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese.
- Spicy Kick: To add a touch of heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Mixed Meats: Experiment with different types of ground meat, such as a combination of beef and pork, or use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of bourbon to the cranberry BBQ sauce for a unique twist.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or your favorite holiday sides.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Gently reheat the meatballs in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: The meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake and assemble.
Nutrition Information
These meatballs are a hearty, protein-packed option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good source of protein, along with essential vitamins and minerals from the cranberries and spices.
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! The meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake and assemble.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the meatballs gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in the cranberry BBQ sauce. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to account for the higher water content.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the cranberry BBQ sauce.
Can I use other types of ground meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with a combination of ground beef and pork, or try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
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Holiday Spiced Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Holiday Spiced Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them an ideal appetizer for your festive gatherings. The combination of cranberry sauce and spices creates a unique flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground allspice
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4.
5. Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
6.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
8.
9. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
10.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
12.
13. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
These meatballs can also be made in a slow cooker. Simply combine the meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: meatballs, holiday, barbecue, appetizer