Description
Tangy cranberry glaze paired with juicy, flavorful meatballs makes this the perfect festive appetizer for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional garnish)
- Cranberry pieces (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until just combined.
3. Roll the mixture into small, approximately 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
4. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
6. Let the cranberry mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Mash some of the cranberries with the back of a spoon for a smoother glaze.
7. Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Gently toss to coat each meatball evenly.
8. Arrange the cranberry meatballs on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve warm.
Notes
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized meatballs.
Taste the cranberry glaze and adjust sweetness as needed.
Keep meatballs warm in a slow cooker set to low for parties.
You can prepare the meatballs and glaze a day ahead and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 15