Festive, flavorful, and ready in 25 minutes!
These Christmas cranberry meatballs are the ultimate holiday appetizer—juicy beef centers with a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze, perfect for festive gatherings.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas buffet or a cozy family dinner, these meatballs add a festive touch with minimal effort. The cranberry sauce and chili glaze create a sweet-savory balance that's hard to resist.
With toothpicks inserted and served on a rustic wooden board, they're ready to impress. The recipe is simple enough for beginners but elegant enough for guests.
Pair them with mashed potatoes, rolls, or a green salad for a complete holiday meal. They also make great make-ahead appetizers for stress-free hosting.
Let's dive into why this recipe works and how to make them perfectly every time!
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Easy
Ready in 25 minutes with minimal prep—no special equipment needed.
💰 Affordable
Uses pantry staples like ground beef and canned cranberry sauce.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Sweet-savory flavor profile appeals to all taste preferences.
🌟 Festive Presentation
Garnished with fresh cranberries and parsley for holiday cheer.
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Sweet-savory holiday appetizers ready in 25 minutes!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 lb ground beef
- - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- - 1 egg
- - 1/4 cup milk
- - 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- - 2 tbsp sweet chili glaze
- - 1 tbsp olive oil
- - Fresh cranberries and parsley for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and 2 tbsp cranberry sauce. Mix until well combined.
💡 Use a fork to gently mix—overworking the meat can make meatballs tough.
Form Meatballs: Shape mixture into 1-inch balls (about 30 total). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
💡 Chill meatballs for 10 minutes before cooking for cleaner shape.
Cook Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
💡 For oven-baked version: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Make Glaze: In a small bowl, mix remaining cranberry sauce with sweet chili glaze until smooth.
💡 Adjust sweetness by adding a pinch of sugar if desired.
Glaze & Serve: Brush glaze over warm meatballs. Garnish with fresh cranberries and parsley. Serve with toothpicks.
💡 For extra festive presentation, serve on a white ceramic dish with pine branches as background.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Ground Beef
Provides juicy texture and rich flavor. For a leaner option, use 90% lean ground beef.
Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Cranberry Sauce
Adds tangy sweetness and festive color. Fresh or canned works well.
Substitutions: Apple sauce or pomegranate molasses for a different flavor.
Sweet Chili Glaze
Balances sweetness with mild heat. Available in Asian grocery stores or online.
Substitutions: Honey or maple syrup with a dash of hot sauce.
Breadcrumbs
Help bind the meat mixture. Use panko for a crispier texture.
Substitutions: Crushed cornflakes or oats for a gluten-free option.
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
🍴 Baking vs. Frying
For healthier meatballs, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Frying gives a crispier exterior.
🎄 Festive Presentation
Serve on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks, pine branches, and fairy lights for holiday ambiance.
⏰ Make-Ahead Tip
Form meatballs up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Cook just before serving.
🍁 Seasonal Variations
Swap cranberry sauce for apple-cinnamon glaze for a fall twist.
Variations & Customizations
Vegetarian Version
Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth in the glaze.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Spicy Kick
Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the glaze for extra heat.
Mini Meatballs
Form smaller balls (1/2 inch) for bite-sized appetizers.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Mashed potatoes with gravy for a classic holiday pairing
- Crusty sourdough rolls for dipping in glaze
- Green bean casserole for a festive side
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with mulled wine, spiced apple cider, or a dry Riesling to complement the sweet-savory flavors.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Form meatballs up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Cook just before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to cooking time.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why are my meatballs dry?
A: Overcooking or using lean ground beef can cause dryness. Use 85% lean beef and avoid overmixing the meat.
Q: Can I freeze the glaze?
A: Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator before using.
Q: How to prevent sticking?
A: Use parchment paper when baking or add a bit more olive oil when frying.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas cranberry meatballs are a game-changer for holiday entertaining. With their quick prep time and festive presentation, they’re perfect for last-minute hosts or large gatherings. The sweet-savory glaze is a crowd-pleaser, and the make-ahead instructions ensure stress-free serving.
Try these meatballs as part of your holiday buffet, bring them to a potluck, or freeze extra batches for future events. They’re sure to become a new tradition! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share the festive cheer with friends and family.
