The savory, aromatic, tender, flavorful, and delicious combination of Christmas Cranberry Meatballs is the perfect appetizer for your holiday party. This recipe is a game-changer, and when paired with Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe, your guests will be impressed.
## Why This Recipe Works
This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe is a masterclass in balance and flavor. The combination of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and eggs provides a tender and juicy texture, while the addition of cranberry sauce and orange zest adds a sweet and tangy flavor profile. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time, perfect for a stress-free holiday party.
## Key Ingredient Highlights
So, what makes this recipe truly special? Here are the key ingredients that take it to the next level:
- Ground Meat**: A combination of ground beef and pork provides a rich and meaty flavor.
- Cranberry Sauce**: A sweet and tangy addition that adds a festive touch to the dish.
- Orange Zest**: A burst of citrus flavor that complements the cranberry sauce perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs**: A necessary ingredient that helps bind the meatballs together.
## THE RECIPE CARD
Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe
This recipe makes approximately 20-25 meatballs, perfect for a holiday party. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd.
Ingredients
- â–¢ 1 lb ground beef
- â–¢ 1/2 lb ground pork
- â–¢ 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- â–¢ 1 egg
- â–¢ 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- â–¢ 2 tbsp orange zest
- â–¢ 1 tsp salt
- â–¢ 1/2 tsp black pepper
- â–¢ 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, cranberry sauce, orange zest, 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.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the cranberry sauce and orange zest in a small bowl.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and brush with the cranberry glaze.
- Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
## Pro Tips
Here are some pro tips to help you perfect this recipe:
- Meatballs falling apart**: To prevent the meatballs from falling apart, make sure to not overmix the mixture and to handle the meatballs gently when shaping and placing them on the baking sheet.
- Cranberry sauce too sweet**: If you find the cranberry sauce too sweet, you can reduce the amount used in the recipe or substitute it with a homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh or frozen cranberries and less sugar.
- Difficulty in making ahead of time**: To make ahead of time, prepare the meatballs up to the baking step, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake. Simply bake the frozen meatballs for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
## FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?**: Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cranberries to make a homemade cranberry sauce. Simply cook the cranberries with a little sugar and water until they pop and the mixture thickens.
- Can I make these meatballs in a slow cooker?**: Yes, you can make these meatballs in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meatballs in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- How do I store leftover meatballs?**: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warm and crispy.
## Conclusion
This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer Recipe is a show-stopper, and with these pro tips and FAQs, you’ll be able to perfect it in no time. Don’t forget to check out the ultimate guide to holiday recipes for more inspiration. Happy cooking!
