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
- 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.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
PrintChristmas Meatballs Recipe
These Christmas meatballs are a festive appetizer or main dish, perfect for holiday gatherings. Sweet, savory, and tangy, they’re coated in a luscious cranberry and barbecue sauce, making them irresistible!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizers, Main Dishes
- Method: Baking, Simmering
- Cuisine: Festive
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225 g) ground pork
- ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, finely chopped)
For the sauce:
- 1 cup (250 ml) cranberry sauce (smooth or whole berry)
- ½ cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a festive touch)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- Mix the ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Shape the meatballs:
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Make the sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cinnamon (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and simmering.
- Add the meatballs:
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- Pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a main course.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added flair.
Notes
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in the sauce before serving.
- Swap the cranberry sauce for lingonberry or red currant jelly for a different twist.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.