Cranberry Meatballs
With homemade meatballs simmered in a glaze made with cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar, these Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful blend of savory and sweet. Whether served as an appetizer or entree, they are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or cozy family dinners.
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 378kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pounds ground pork or sausage
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely minced onion
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce or chili sauce for a spicier version
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork or sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, parsley, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Form the meatballs: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into 1-inch meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are lightly browned and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Combine the sauce ingredients: In a large skillet or saucepan, mix together the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce or chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble.
Step 3: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
- Simmer the meatballs: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Cook together: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles
Nutrition
Calories: 378kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 525mg | Potassium: 342mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 322IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg