Cranberry Meatballs Holiday Style

Cranberry Meatballs fill your kitchen with the aroma of sweet and savory comfort and are a perfect addition to any holiday table or chilly weeknight dinner These meatballs combine the juicy tenderness of pork with a tangy bright cranberry sauce so every bite is mouthwatering and festive

I made these cranberry meatballs for a holiday potluck and they disappeared so fast I barely managed to snag one myself Now my family requests them whenever we spot fresh cranberries at the store

Ingredients

• Small onion finely chopped or grated: Adds warmth and moisture to the meatballs Choose firm onions without soft spots for best flavor
• Ground pork extra lean: Brings tender texture and a light flavor Using quality fresh pork makes a big difference here
• Breadcrumbs like Panko: Create lightness in each bite Use unseasoned for complete flavor control
• Large eggs: Help bind everything together Pick eggs with even shells and check for cracks
• Ketchup: Gives a subtle sweetness and tang in both meatballs and sauce Choose one with simple ingredients for best taste
• Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami and gives balance Look for a bottle without too many additives
• Fresh parsley chopped: Gives a pop of color and freshness Select bright green leaves and avoid wilted bunches
• Salt and pepper for flavor: Adjust to taste and use freshly ground black pepper if possible
• Cranberry sauce homemade or store bought: Adds sweet tart flavor Pick a sauce with whole berries if you like fruit pieces
• Brown sugar packed: Boosts the sweetness and caramel notes in the sauce Light or dark brown sugar both work
• Lemon juice freshly squeezed: Adds brightness Squeeze from a fresh lemon just before using for the boldest flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper This will keep the meatballs from sticking and help them brown evenly

Mix the Meatball Ingredients:

In a large glass mixing bowl combine the grated onion ground pork breadcrumbs eggs ketchup Worcestershire sauce parsley salt and pepper Mix well with your hands until just combined Do not overwork or the meatballs can get tough

Shape the Meatballs:

With slightly damp hands form the mixture into medium sized balls aiming for consistent size You should get about 32 meatballs A small ice cream scoop works perfectly for even portions

Bake the Meatballs:

Arrange the meatballs on your prepared baking sheet with space between each one Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and a thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit This seals in the juices

Make the Cranberry Sauce:

While the meatballs are baking add cranberry sauce ketchup brown sugar and lemon juice to a large cast iron skillet Stir everything together over medium heat Bring to a gentle boil then lower the heat so the sauce thickens and bubbles

Simmer Meatballs in Sauce:

Once the meatballs are baked add them gently to the skillet Stir so each one is coated with sauce Simmer just until everything is hot and the flavors have melded

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley for color if you like Serve these hot and enjoy every sweet and savory bite

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The pop of fresh parsley brightens the whole dish and always reminds me of my grandmother finishing her favorite recipes with something green When we first made these together she insisted on tasting for salt and adding extra parsley until it was just right

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days If you want to freeze simply cool the meatballs completely and place in a freezer safe container with a little sauce They reheat beautifully on the stove or in the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap ground turkey or chicken for the pork if you want a lighter option If you only have regular breadcrumbs use them Ketchup can be substituted with tomato sauce in a pinch just add a little extra brown sugar for sweetness

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cranberry meatballs with fluffy white rice buttery mashed potatoes or even on slider buns for a festive appetizer They are just as delicious on their own with a bright salad

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A Brief Cultural Note

Meatballs with fruit sauces show up in Scandinavian and American holiday tables all the time Pairing savory meats with a sweet tang is a tradition that goes back generations especially for winter feasts or gatherings

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use turkey instead of pork for the meatballs?

Yes, lean ground turkey works well. The texture remains tender, and the flavor pairs nicely with cranberry sauce.

→ Is it okay to use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Absolutely. Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauce will work here. Choose your favorite for optimal flavor.

→ How can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Prepare and bake the meatballs a day in advance, then reheat in the sauce just before serving for best results.

→ What can I serve with cranberry meatballs?

They pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or on their own as appetizers. Garnish with fresh parsley for color.

→ How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

Don’t overbake, and make sure to use eggs and breadcrumbs as binders. Glazing with sauce keeps them extra juicy.