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Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Tender meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, perfect for holiday appetizers and festive parties.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 24 meatballs
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or mix of beef and pork
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 1 egg large
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Cranberry Glaze
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce fresh or canned
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Optional Garnish
  • fresh parsley chopped
  • orange zest

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15–18 minutes until cooked through.
  5. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, and Dijon mustard. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Toss baked meatballs in warm cranberry glaze until evenly coated.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with parsley and orange zest.

Notes

Make meatballs ahead and reheat with glaze before serving. Can also serve with toothpicks for easy party snacking.