My partner and I have been looking for a good appetizer to serve for our Christmas party this year and I think I’m happy with this one!
These meatballs are sweet, tangy, savory, and so ridiculously easy to throw together that they almost feel like cheating.
This comes together super fast with simple ingredients.
Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, piling them over fluffy mashed potatoes, or bringing them to a holiday potluck, these cranberry meatballs always get people asking for the recipe.
Plus, they store beautifully in the fridge or freezer for whenever you need them.
Please note I’m adding variations and substitutions after the recipe.
Let’s dive in!
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Tips to Make it Even Better
- • Use a cookie scoop like this one to keep your meatballs the same size so they cook evenly.
• A non-stick skillet makes the browning easier and less messy
• If you want your sauce extra glossy, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water near the end
• For extra tenderness, swap regular breadcrumbs for panko
• If you’re serving these at a party, keep them warm in a slow cooker
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Course: lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy4-6
people10
minutesIngredients
• 1 ½ lbs ground beef or chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
- Sauce
• 1 can cranberry sauce (whole berry or smooth)
• 1 cup bbq sauce (any brand)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Directions
- Combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme in a large bowl and mix everything together until just combined—you don’t want to overwork it or the meatballs can turn dense. Roll into small or medium balls, depending on how you plan to serve them, and set them aside on a plate.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs on all sides until they’re lightly browned; they don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage because they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same pan, add the cranberry sauce, bbq sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar if using, and stir until it begins to bubble. Once smooth and glossy, add the meatballs back in and gently coat them in the sauce. Cover with a lid and let them simmer for about 10–12 minutes until fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
- I love this over mashed potatoes!
Variations & Substitutions
- Make them turkey meatballs for a lighter version.
- Replace bbq sauce with ketchup and a splash of Worcestershire for a milder flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or a swirl of sriracha to the sauce.
- Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Turn them into a full dinner by serving over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
- Add orange zest to the sauce for a brighter, citrusy Christmas flavor.
These cranberry meatballs are one of those magical holiday recipes that feel nostalgic but still exciting every time you make them.
They’re cozy, flavorful, so easy, and they make your whole kitchen smell like Christmas. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a holiday gathering, this recipe will become one of your yearly favorites.
Here are a few posts you may enjoy during this festive season:
