Christmas Meatballs Recipe

Christmas Meatballs are a festive twist on a classic appetizer, perfect for holiday gatherings. Juicy, tender meatballs are coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, making them an irresistible addition to your Christmas party spread. They’re easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a mix of flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Fun: These meatballs are a versatile dish, perfect as appetizers or a main course.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe stress-free.
• Customizable: You can tweak the glaze or the meatball mix to suit your taste.
• Great for Parties: Serve them on toothpicks for an elegant holiday appetizer or as a main dish with sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, finely chopped
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground nutmeg (optional, for a holiday twist)

For the Glaze:

• Cranberry sauce
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
   • Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake the Meatballs:
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
3. Make the Glaze:
   • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by combining cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth and heated through.
4. Combine Meatballs and Glaze:
   • Transfer the cooked meatballs to a large skillet or slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to coat.
   • If using a slow cooker, keep them on the warm setting to serve.
5. Serve:
   • Serve warm with toothpicks as an appetizer, or alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a main course.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 as a main dish, or 8-10 as an appetizer
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Spicy Glaze: Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
• Sweet BBQ Glaze: Swap cranberry sauce for barbecue sauce and add honey for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese-Stuffed: Add a cube of mozzarella or cheddar in the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and glaze separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the glaze.

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the meatballs and glaze separately. Store them in the refrigerator and combine just before serving.

2. Can I use frozen meatballs?

Absolutely! Use store-bought frozen meatballs and toss them in the glaze for a quick shortcut.

3. What can I substitute for cranberry sauce?

Use grape jelly, apricot preserves, or orange marmalade for a similar sweet and tangy glaze.

4. How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Ensure the mixture is well combined, and avoid overmixing, which can make them tough.

5. Can I cook these in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the meatballs separately and then transfer them to a slow cooker with the glaze. Keep on the warm setting for serving.

6. Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe gluten-free.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up for larger gatherings. Adjust the baking time if needed.

8. What sides pair well with Christmas meatballs?

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

9. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground chicken, pork, or lamb all work well in this recipe.

10. How do I thicken the glaze?

Simmer the glaze on the stove for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken it if needed.

Conclusion

Christmas Meatballs are a delicious and versatile addition to your holiday menu. With their tender texture and sweet-tangy glaze, they’re a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages. Whether served as a party appetizer or a hearty main dish, these meatballs bring festive flavor to the table. Make them part of your holiday traditions, and watch them disappear as soon as they’re served!

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