Maple Cranberry Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs

Ingredients

• • 1 ⅞ lb ground beef (85% lean)
• • ⅞ cup breadcrumbs
• • 2 ⅞ large eggs
• • ⅞ cup finely chopped onion
• • 2 ⅞ cloves garlic, minced
• • 1 ⅞ tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• • 1 ⅞ tsp fresh thyme leaves
• • ⅞ tsp salt
• • ⅞ tsp black pepper
• • 12 ⅞ bacon slices (pre-sliced)
• • ⅞ cup maple syrup
• • ⅞ cup whole cranberry sauce
• • 1 ⅞ tbsp Dijon mustard
• • 1 ⅞ tbsp balsamic vinegar
• • ⅞ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overworking the meat.

2. 2

   Form the mixture into 12 equal-sized meatballs using a meatball scooper. Wrap each meatball with a bacon slice, securing with a toothpick.

3. 3

   Place bacon-wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bacon is crispy and meatballs are cooked through.

4. 4

   In a small saucepan, whisk maple syrup, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until thickened.

5. 5

   Brush the glaze over the meatballs during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let cool slightly before serving on skewers with fresh herbs.