The Art of Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Perfection

Perfect Meatball Formation:

Learn the technique of creating uniformly sized meatballs that cook evenly and present beautifully on holiday platters.

Optimal Meat Mixing:

Master the gentle combining method that creates tender, juicy meatballs without overworking the protein.

Glaze Development:

Understand how to build a glossy, flavorful cranberry glaze that coats perfectly and doesn't slide off.

Temperature Management:

Perfect the timing and temperature control for meatballs that are golden outside and perfectly cooked inside.

Holiday Presentation:

Discover the final assembly and garnishing techniques that make these meatballs worthy of any festive celebration.

Mastering Holiday Meatball Excellence

Form meatballs up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered, then bake fresh when needed

Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 165°F internal temperature for food safety

Choose whole berry cranberry sauce over jellied for better texture and visual appeal

Leftover meatballs keep in refrigerator for 3 days and reheat beautifully in microwave

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs with Sweet and Tangy Festive Glaze

Name: Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs with Sweet and Tangy Festive Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24 meatballs
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Meatballs:; 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend); 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs or panko; 1 large egg, beaten; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the Cranberry Glaze:; 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; For Special Equipment:; Large mixing bowl; Cookie scoop or small ice cream scoop; Large skillet or baking sheet

The ultimate Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs featuring ground beef, dried cranberries, and cranberry sauce glaze. This appetizer combines the savory richness with the sweet tartness, creating an unforgettable holiday experience that elevates the classic meatball to extraordinary heights perfect for Christmas parties, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave the perfect balance of festive flavors.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

40 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)

1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

1/3 cup breadcrumbs or panko

1 large egg, beaten

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cranberry Glaze:

1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

For Special Equipment:

Large mixing bowl

Cookie scoop or small ice cream scoop

Large skillet or baking sheet

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until just mixed.

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Place meatballs on prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart for even cooking.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned on top.

While meatballs bake, prepare glaze by combining cranberry sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger in a small saucepan.

Simmer glaze over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened and glossy.

Remove meatballs from oven and immediately toss with warm cranberry glaze until well coated.

Serve immediately on a platter with toothpicks, garnished with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs if desired.

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs with Sweet and Tangy Festive Glaze

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Perfection

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs with Sweet and Tangy Festive Glaze

Ingredients

Instructions