Cranberry meatballs are a tasty treat that combine juicy meat with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. They make a great appetizer or party snack!
These little bites are super easy to make. I love tossing them together for friends, and they always disappear fast. Who can resist that juicy flavor? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: You can use beef, pork, or turkey for these meatballs. I personally love ground turkey for its lightness! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try ground chicken or plant-based meat substitutes, like lentils or chickpeas.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs work well, but you can substitute with crushed crackers or oats for a gluten-free option. I sometimes use panko for an extra crunch in my meatballs!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a lovely flavor, but if you’re cheese-sensitive, try nutritional yeast or omit it altogether. For a different taste, you could use pecorino cheese.
Cranberries: Fresh is best, but frozen cranberries are a great substitute if fresh ones aren’t available. Just remember to adjust the cooking time a bit since they might need longer to burst!
How Do You Get the Meatballs Just Right?
Shaping meatballs might seem tricky, but it’s all about the right texture. Here’s how to make them perfect:
- Mix gently: Over-mixing can make meatballs tough. Mix just until combined.
- Keep them uniform: Aim for about 1 inch in diameter for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the baking: This step helps them cook thoroughly before adding to the sauce.
For a test run, bake a small one first. This way, you can adjust seasoning if needed before baking the whole batch!
How to Make Delicious Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or rosemary
How Much Time Will You Need?
This entire recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep and cooking time! You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes making the meatballs and another 10-15 minutes for the cranberry sauce and combining everything. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a nice, even cook for your meatballs, making them golden on the outside and juicy inside!
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the meatballs tender!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Now it’s time to shape your meatballs! Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on a lined baking sheet. This should make about 20 meatballs, depending on your size.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and nice and browned. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, grab a medium saucepan. Combine cranberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice. Place it over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally!
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Let the cranberry sauce cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. If you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until it’s glossy!
7. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Once your meatballs are nicely baked, add them to the cranberry sauce. Gently stir to coat each meatball in that delicious, tangy-sweet sauce.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the cranberry meatballs to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or add a sprig of rosemary on top for a lovely presentation!
9. Enjoy!:
Serve warm as an appetizer to impress your guests, or for a delightful dinner, serve them over rice or mashed potatoes. Enjoy these tasty bites!
This recipe delivers a wonderful combination of savory and sweet, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Ground Chicken or Turkey Instead of Beef or Pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey are excellent alternatives and make for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster than beef or pork.
Can I Prepare the Cranberry Meatballs in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time! Shape them and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking!
What Should I Do with Leftover Cranberry Meatballs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. They’re delicious served on their own or with rice!
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead?
While fresh or frozen cranberries yield the best results, you can use dried cranberries in a pinch. Just soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to plump them up before adding them to your sauce, adjusting the sugar to taste since dried cranberries are usually sweeter.