Method
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Mix until just combined, then shape into small meatballs.
Step 4: Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden.
Step 5: In a saucepan, whisk together cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Step 6: Simmer over medium heat until smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened.
Step 7: Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and gently stir to coat evenly.
Step 8: Serve warm with fresh herbs or extra cranberry sauce on the side.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator 3–4 days in an airtight container. Freezer Up to 2 months (freeze sauce + meatballs separately). Reheating Skillet: 5 minutes on low Microwave: 1 minute Oven: 300°F for 10 minutes 🥄 Variations
⭐ Spicy Cranberry Meatballs Add chili flakes or hot sauce. ⭐ Orange Cranberry Glaze Add 2 tbsp orange juice + 1 tsp zest. ⭐ Maple Cranberry Meatballs Replace brown sugar with maple syrup. ⭐ BBQ Cranberry Style Add ¼ cup barbecue sauce. ⭐ Turkey Holiday Meatballs Use ground turkey for a lighter version. ⭐ Cheesy Meatballs Add mozzarella cubes inside each meatball. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef or turkey? Yes — ground chicken works beautifully. 2. Can I use whole cranberry sauce? Yes — texture will be chunkier but delicious. 3. Can I fry the meatballs instead of baking? Yes — pan-fry for 7–8 minutes until cooked. 4. Can I prepare them ahead? Yes — store uncooked meatballs in the fridge for 24 hours. 5. Can I make them gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs. 6. Can I double the glaze? Absolutely — great for dipping. 7. Can I use honey instead of brown sugar? Yes — use 1 tbsp honey. 8. Are they halal? Yes — use halal ground meat + soy sauce. 9. What’s the best size for the meatballs? 1–1.5 inches for appetizers. 10. Why are my meatballs dry? Add extra breadcrumbs or don’t overcook. 🏁 Conclusion These Christmas Cranberry Sweet Savory Holiday Meatballs are the perfect holiday appetizer — juicy, glossy, sweet, savory, and loaded with festive flavor. They’re simple to make, beautiful on the table, and guaranteed to be a hit at every Christmas gathering. Serve them with toothpicks, over mashed potatoes, or in a holiday grazing bowl for a warm and comforting Christmas treat.
Refrigerator 3–4 days in an airtight container. Freezer Up to 2 months (freeze sauce + meatballs separately). Reheating Skillet: 5 minutes on low Microwave: 1 minute Oven: 300°F for 10 minutes 🥄 Variations
⭐ Spicy Cranberry Meatballs Add chili flakes or hot sauce. ⭐ Orange Cranberry Glaze Add 2 tbsp orange juice + 1 tsp zest. ⭐ Maple Cranberry Meatballs Replace brown sugar with maple syrup. ⭐ BBQ Cranberry Style Add ¼ cup barbecue sauce. ⭐ Turkey Holiday Meatballs Use ground turkey for a lighter version. ⭐ Cheesy Meatballs Add mozzarella cubes inside each meatball. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef or turkey? Yes — ground chicken works beautifully. 2. Can I use whole cranberry sauce? Yes — texture will be chunkier but delicious. 3. Can I fry the meatballs instead of baking? Yes — pan-fry for 7–8 minutes until cooked. 4. Can I prepare them ahead? Yes — store uncooked meatballs in the fridge for 24 hours. 5. Can I make them gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs. 6. Can I double the glaze? Absolutely — great for dipping. 7. Can I use honey instead of brown sugar? Yes — use 1 tbsp honey. 8. Are they halal? Yes — use halal ground meat + soy sauce. 9. What’s the best size for the meatballs? 1–1.5 inches for appetizers. 10. Why are my meatballs dry? Add extra breadcrumbs or don’t overcook. 🏁 Conclusion These Christmas Cranberry Sweet Savory Holiday Meatballs are the perfect holiday appetizer — juicy, glossy, sweet, savory, and loaded with festive flavor. They’re simple to make, beautiful on the table, and guaranteed to be a hit at every Christmas gathering. Serve them with toothpicks, over mashed potatoes, or in a holiday grazing bowl for a warm and comforting Christmas treat.
