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Christmas Meatballs Recipe

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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!

Ingredients

Scale

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:

  1. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
  2. 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.
  3. Shape the meatballs:
    • Roll the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake:
    • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/christmas-meatballs-recipe/