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The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and festive appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests? Look no further than this Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe, which combines the savory, aromatic, tender, flavorful, and delicious qualities of a perfect holiday dish.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is perfect for a Christmas party or gathering, and it’s also a great way to use up any leftover cranberry sauce you may have on hand. And if you’re a fan of sweet and savory flavors, be sure to check out our Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe for more ideas.
## Why This Recipe Works
This Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe works for several reasons. First, the use of ground meat and breadcrumbs creates a tender and flavorful meatball that’s easy to make and fun to eat. The addition of cranberry sauce and orange zest gives the dish a sweet and tangy flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. And finally, the recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy holiday hosts.
## Key Ingredient Highlights
There are several key ingredients in this recipe that make it stand out. Here are a few highlights:
* Ground meat: The use of ground meat makes this recipe easy to make and fun to eat. You can use either beef or pork, or a combination of the two.
* Cranberry sauce: The cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish that’s perfect for the holiday season. You can use either homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce.
* Orange zest: The orange zest adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish that complements the cranberry sauce perfectly.
* Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs help to bind the meatballs together and add texture to the dish.
## THE RECIPE CARD
Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe
This recipe is a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that’s sure to impress your guests at your next holiday party.
Ingredients
-
â–¢ 1 pound ground meat (beef or pork)
â–¢ 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
â–¢ 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
â–¢ 2 tablespoons orange zest
â–¢ 1 egg
â–¢ 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
â–¢ 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
â–¢ Salt and pepper to taste
â–¢ Cooking spray or oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, cranberry sauce, orange zest, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
- Drizzle the meatballs with a little cooking spray or oil and gently roll them around to coat evenly.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. Toss the meatballs in the sauce until they’re evenly coated.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a side of toothpicks or small skewers.
## 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 when shaping and placing them on the baking sheet. You can also try adding a little more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind the meatballs together.
* If you find that your cranberry sauce is too sweet, try adding a little more orange zest or a squeeze of fresh orange juice to balance out the flavors.
* To make the meatballs easier to serve, try using toothpicks or small skewers to pick them up. This will also help prevent the meatballs from falling apart.
## FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about this recipe:
* Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day or freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
* Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce. Simply chop the cranberries and add them to the meatball mixture along with a little sugar and orange zest.
* Q: Can I make these meatballs in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make these meatballs in a slow cooker. Simply cook the meatballs on low for 2-3 hours and serve hot.
## Conclusion
This Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe is a delicious and festive holiday dish that’s sure to impress your guests. With its combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, it’s the perfect appetizer for any holiday party. And with its easy-to-make ingredients and instructions, it’s a breeze to prepare. So why not give it a try this holiday season? Your guests will thank you!
How to make Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe
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