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Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Tender meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Holiday
Cuisine: American, Scandinavian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey or chicken Use room temperature for easier mixing.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Preferably seasoned for additional flavor.
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion Yellow or white for sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Fresh is vital; dried can substitute.
  • 1 whole egg Room temperature for better binding.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Use fresh minced garlic for more depth if preferred.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce Homemade or store-bought recommended.
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce Choose your favorite brand—sweet or smoky.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce Adds an umami kick.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5 inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce until uniform.
  5. Drizzle the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they are coated.
Cooking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
  2. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm as an appetizer.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For gluten-free versions, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free options.