Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) Recipe
These Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful Christmas recipe featuring juicy lean pork meatballs baked to perfection and simmered in a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or part of a holiday meal, they combine savory and fruity flavors that delight the palate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 32 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
- 1 ½ pounds very lean ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (like panko)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
Sauce
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or packaged)
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
- Mix and Form Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, grated onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and form the mixture into about 32 medium-sized meatballs, using a small ice cream scoop if desired for uniformity.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the formed meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160℉, ensuring they are fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the cranberry sauce, tomato ketchup, brown sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the sauce starts to boil. Reduce the heat, then gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Stir carefully and cook until the meatballs are heated through and well coated, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the meatballs from heat. If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for color and extra flavor. Serve the meatballs warm to enjoy their full festive taste.
Notes
- Using very lean ground pork helps keep the meatballs tender without excess fat.
- For even cooking, try to make meatballs of similar size, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- The sauce can be made ahead and reheated with the meatballs for convenience.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- For a milder sauce, adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference.
Keywords: cranberry meatballs, Christmas recipe, holiday appetizers, baked meatballs, cranberry sauce, pork meatballs
