Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where holiday appetizers get festive, crowd-pleasing shine. If you’re tired of dry meatballs or overly sweet glazes, these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs deliver juicy pork-beef meatballs simmered in tart cranberry sauce with orange and spices perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or game day snacking.

Bright red glaze makes them festive table stars, ready in 40 minutes with slow cooker option. With years of appetizer expertise, I’ve crafted this make-ahead favorite that disappears fast. Here’s everything you need: ingredients, easy steps, variations, and tips.

Why This Recipe Works

• Cranberry sauce provides natural tart-sweet glaze that clings perfectly to meatballs
• Pork-beef mix stays juicy while breadcrumbs and egg ensure perfect texture
• Orange juice and spices create holiday aroma without overpowering
• Slow cooker option for hands-off party hosting
• Make-ahead friendly flavors improve overnight
• Freezes beautifully for holiday prep

Ingredients & Prep

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup finely minced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage or 1 tsp dried
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cranberry Glaze

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• Zest of 1 orange

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Mix all meatball ingredients until just combined. Roll into 1-inch balls (makes ~50).
3. Bake 15-18 minutes until browned and cooked through (165°F internal).
4. Meanwhile, combine cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest in saucepan. Simmer 15 minutes until thickened.
5. Toss baked meatballs in sauce or transfer to slow cooker on warm. Garnish with rosemary sprigs.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy: Add sriracha or chili flakes to glaze.
• Bourbon: Stir 2 tbsp bourbon into simmering sauce.
• BBQ: Mix ½ cup BBQ sauce into cranberry glaze.

Storage Tips

Store glazed meatballs airtight in fridge 4 days or freeze 2 months. Reheat in 300°F oven or slow cooker.

FAQs

• Frozen meatballs? Yes, increase bake time to 25 minutes.
• Make ahead? Bake meatballs, store sauce separate; combine before serving.
• Air fryer? 375°F, 10-12 minutes shaking halfway.

Conclusion

Festive Christmas Cranberry Meatballs juicy bites in glossy tart-sweet glaze that steals the holiday show. Party essential. For more appetizers, visit dishfoody.com and try our Thai Coconut Meatballs.

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Print Recipe

Festive Christmas Cranberry Meatballs glazed in sweet-tart cranberry sauce with orange and warm spices. Perfect holiday appetizer served with toothpicks for parties and potlucks.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Yield: 30 meatballs (6-8 servings) 1x
• Category: Appetizer, Holiday
• Method: Oven, Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the meatballs:
• 1 lb ground pork (or beef/pork mix)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the cranberry glaze:
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tbsp water

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with parchment.
• 2. Combine meatball ingredients. Roll into 1-inch balls. Bake 18-22 minutes until cooked through.
• 3. For glaze: simmer cranberries, marmalade, orange juice, brown sugar, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves until cranberries burst.
• 4. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
• 5. Add cooked meatballs to glaze. Simmer 5-10 minutes until coated and heated through.
• 6. Serve warm with toothpicks. Keep in slow cooker for parties.

Notes

• Make meatballs ahead and reheat in glaze.
• Use frozen meatballs for 15-minute version.
• Perfect for holiday parties and game day.
• Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: christmas cranberry meatballs, holiday meatballs, cranberry glaze meatballs, party appetizers