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Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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