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easy cranberry meatballs Platter of Zesty Cranberry Glazed Meatballs with toothpicks and parsley garnish

Zesty Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

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Bite-sized delights that burst with festive flavor! These incredibly easy-to-make meatballs are coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, making them the ultimate show-stopping appetizer for your holiday gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings (as an appetizer) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely minced onion (or 1 tsp onion powder)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for color and freshness)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce (like Heinz, not spicy sriracha type)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of ground ginger (optional, for warmth)
  • Fresh chopped parsley or rosemary for garnish (optional)
  • Toothpicks for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup later. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely minced onion (or onion powder), chopped parsley (if using), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until everything is incorporated, being careful not to overmix, which can make meatballs tough.
  2. Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into uniform 1-inch to 1.5-inch meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This recipe typically yields about 30-36 meatballs, perfect for a crowd.
  3. Bake the meatballs for 18-22 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and beautifully browned on the outside. Once baked, remove them from the oven and set aside while you prepare the irresistible glaze.
  4. While the meatballs are in the oven, it's time to create the luscious cranberry glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, chili sauce, packed brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and the optional pinch of ground ginger.
  5. Bring the glaze mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure everything blends smoothly. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and allow it to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. This simmering time lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken just enough to perfectly cling to the meatballs.
  6. Carefully add the cooked meatballs to the simmering cranberry glaze in the saucepan. Stir gently to ensure each meatball is thoroughly coated in the glorious sauce. Let them heat through for another 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb all that wonderful flavor. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or rosemary, if desired, and serve hot with toothpicks for easy appetizer enjoyment!

Notes

STORAGE & MAKE AHEAD: These easy cranberry meatballs can be cooked, sauced, and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

SLOW COOKER OPTION: For effortless party serving, transfer the baked meatballs and prepared glaze to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This keeps them warm and ready for guests.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: While perfect as an appetizer, these meatballs also make a fantastic main course served over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even alongside a simple green salad for a quick family dinner.

SPICE IT UP: For a subtle kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture. For a deeper, savory note, a dash of halal-certified Worcestershire sauce can be added to the glaze.

  • Author: Cook Reel
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking & Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 meatballs
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Find it online: https://cookreel.com/easy-cranberry-meatballs/

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