Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a savory, aromatic, tender, flavorful, and delicious Christmas appetizer? Look no further than our Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe, perfect for your holiday gatherings. If you’re looking for another great appetizer option, be sure to check out our Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip Recipe.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works beautifully because it combines the classic comfort of meatballs with the sweet and tangy flavor of cranberries, all wrapped up in a convenient and easy-to-make package. The addition of fresh cranberries and orange zest to the meatballs gives them a delightful burst of flavor and texture, while the cranberry sauce provides a rich and fruity complement to the savory meat. With its perfect balance of flavors and ease of preparation, this recipe is sure to become a new holiday tradition.

## Key Ingredient Highlights

The key to this recipe’s success lies in the quality of its ingredients. Fresh cranberries, ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper all come together to create a truly unforgettable flavor experience. The cranberry sauce, made with fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, and sugar, adds a sweet and tangy element that perfectly complements the savory meatballs.

## THE RECIPE CARD

Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe

This delicious and easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for your holiday gatherings. With its combination of savory meatballs and sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound ground beef
▢ 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
▢ 1 egg
▢ 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
▢ 1/4 cup orange juice
▢ 2 tablespoons brown sugar
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
▢ 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (see below for recipe)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little bit of oil and gently roll them around to coat evenly.
6. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the cranberry sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
8. Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh cranberries and orange zest if desired.

## Pro Tips

Here are a few pro tips to help you make the best Christmas cranberry meatballs appetizer recipe:

• To prevent the meatballs from falling apart, make sure to handle them gently and don’t overmix the meat mixture.
• If you find the cranberry sauce too sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavor.
• To make ahead, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape the meatballs up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bake them just before serving.

## FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
• Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw them first and pat dry with paper towels before using.
• How long can I store the meatballs in the refrigerator?
• You can store the meatballs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container and let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
• Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meatballs in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the cranberry sauce and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

## Conclusion

This Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make addition to your holiday gatherings. With its perfect balance of flavors and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a new holiday tradition. Don’t forget to check out Epicurious for more great holiday recipes.