As the holiday season approaches, our kitchens are filled with the savory, aromatic, tender, flavorful, and delicious scents of traditional Christmas dishes. Among these, a Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe stands out as a crowd-pleaser, perfect for Christmas parties and gatherings. In this article, we’ll guide you through the Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe, a dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
But before we dive into the recipe, if you’re looking for more delicious holiday treats, be sure to check out our Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe for a sweet treat to pair with your savory meatballs.
Why This Recipe Works
This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe works beautifully due to its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and eggs provides a tender and juicy base for the meatballs, while the cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy element. The addition of orange zest and juice gives the dish a nice citrusy note, making it a perfect fit for the holiday season.
Key Ingredient Highlights
- Ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination of the two) for the meatballs
- Fresh or frozen cranberries for the cranberry sauce
- Orange zest and juice for added citrus flavor
- Breadcrumbs and eggs for binding the meatballs
THE RECIPE CARD
Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe
This recipe makes approximately 40-50 meatballs, perfect for a Christmas party or gathering. The meatballs are tender, flavorful, and pair beautifully with the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
- â–¢ 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination of the two)
- â–¢ 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- â–¢ 1 egg
- â–¢ 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- â–¢ 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
- â–¢ 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- â–¢ 1/2 cup orange juice
- â–¢ 1/4 cup orange zest
- â–¢ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, and cheddar cheese (if using). 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 the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the cranberry sauce. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they’re fully coated.
- Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with additional parsley and orange zest if desired.
Pro Tips
To prevent the meatballs from falling apart, make sure to handle them gently when shaping and placing them on the baking sheet. Also, don’t overmix the meat mixture, as this can cause the meatballs to become dense and tough.
If you find the cranberry sauce too sweet, you can reduce the amount of orange juice or add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavor.
To avoid overcooking the meatballs, make sure to check them frequently during the baking time. They should be cooked through but still juicy and tender.
FAQs
How to make the perfect Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe
Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and bake as directed.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries for the sauce?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries for the sauce. Simply thaw them first and pat dry with paper towels before using.
Conclusion
This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe is a delicious and festive addition to any holiday gathering. With its tender meatballs, sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, and citrusy notes, it’s sure to impress your guests. Give it a try and enjoy the flavors of the season!
