Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) Recipe
Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful Christmas recipe featuring tender pork meatballs baked to perfection and simmered in a tangy, sweet cranberry sauce. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for holiday gatherings, combining traditional holiday flavors with a convenient preparation method.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 32 meatballs, serving 6-8 people 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup tomato ketchup (Heinz recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix and Form Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, tomato ketchup, black pepper, grated onion, chopped parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, lean ground pork, and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Wet your hands to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into about 32 medium-sized meatballs. Using a small ice cream scoop can help achieve uniform size.
- Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 160℉ when checked with a meat thermometer, ensuring they are fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the brown sugar, cranberry sauce, lemon juice, and tomato ketchup in a large skillet. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil. Then, gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce and cook together until the meatballs are heated through and flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the meatballs with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Using Panko breadcrumbs provides a lighter texture to the meatballs.
- Wet your hands before shaping the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160℉ to confirm they are fully cooked.
- Freshly squeezing lemon juice for the sauce enhances the overall flavor.
- Garnishing with parsley adds a fresh, colorful touch to the dish.
Keywords: Cranberry Meatballs, Holiday Meatballs, Christmas Appetizer, Baked Meatballs, Pork Meatballs, Festive Recipe
