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A plate of shiny, glazed cranberry meatballs arranged neatly on a white serving dish. The meatballs are garnished with fresh parsley and surrounded by vibrant red cranberries and sprigs of rosemary, with a festive holiday table in the soft-focused background. The textures range from tender meatballs to glossy cranberry glaze, creating an inviting and colorful holiday appetizer scene.

Easy Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Holiday Parties

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A tasty and festive appetizer featuring savory meatballs glazed with a tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday parties.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 20 meatballs

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper.
  2. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
  4. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, and honey. Warm over medium heat until smooth.
  5. Remove meatballs from oven and toss in cranberry glaze. Serve warm garnished with fresh herbs.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
  • These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in the cranberry sauce before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Baking and simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs
  • Calories: 220 Kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg