What are some common mistakes when making cranberry sauce?

Overcooking can make it too thick or bitter. Keep heat moderate and stir often.

What's the best way to serve cranberry meatballs?

They’re delicious over rice, mashed potatoes, or as a festive appetizer with toothpicks.

What is the secret to making tender meatballs?

Mix gently, don’t overwork the meat, and keep ingredients moist with eggs and breadcrumbs.

Cranberry Meatballs Recipe | Amazing Holiday Favorite

Name: Cranberry Meatballs (Festive Christmas Dinner Recipe)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup tomato ketchup; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 small onion, grated or finely diced; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 lbs lean ground pork; 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko); 3 tbsp packed brown sugar; 2 cups cranberry sauce; 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 cup tomato ketchup

Description

Sweet, tangy, and tender Cranberry Meatballs with juicy pork and a glossy cranberry glaze. Quick, cozy, and perfect for Christmas dinner or holiday parties.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large eggs

1/3 cup tomato ketchup

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 small onion, grated or finely diced

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 lbs lean ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)

3 tbsp packed brown sugar

2 cups cranberry sauce

1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 cup tomato ketchup

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. In a large bowl, combine pork, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.

3. With wet hands or a small scoop, form about 32 medium meatballs.

4. Place on the baking sheet and bake 20–25 minutes, until the centers reach 160°F.

5. Meanwhile, in a large skillet combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

6. Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer a few minutes until heated through and coated.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Use wet hands to prevent sticking when forming meatballs.

For uniform sizes, use a small ice cream scoop.

Sauce thickens as it cools; reheat gently and add water or broth to thin.

Make ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days; flavors improve over time.

Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze in sauce up to 3 months.

Reheating: Simmer gently on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring.

Serving ideas: Over rice or egg noodles, as sliders, or with roasted vegetables.

Variations: Substitute pork with turkey, chicken (add olive oil), or beef. Breadcrumb swaps include regular crumbs, crushed crackers, oats, or gluten free options. Sauce swap: grape jelly or raspberry jam plus vinegar.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Christmas Dinner Recipes
Method: Baking, Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 163
Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 18
Protein: 12