Amazing Cranberry Meatballs: Easy Recipe!

Get Ready for Cranberry Meatball Magic!

Okay, get ready flavor adventurers, because I’m about to drop a flavor bomb on you that will change the way you think about appetizer meatballs forever! I’m talking about Cranberry Meatballs – the ultimate sweet and savory mashup that’s ridiculously addictive. I remember the exact moment I knew these were destined for greatness. I was testing a new batch, and my neighbor, who’s usually a pretty reserved guy, literally shouted “WHAT IS THIS MAGIC?!” That’s when I knew I had something special.

These aren’t your grandma’s bland meatballs. These Cranberry Meatballs embody Cuba Queen’s mission: to set your taste buds on FIRE! Get ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor fiesta – let’s do this!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Cranberry Meatballs ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! We’re talking maximum flavor with minimum fuss, my friends.

• 1.5 lbs Ground Meat: I like a mix of ground beef and pork for the best flavor and texture, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken.
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are my go-to for extra crispy edges.
• 1/2 cup Milk: This keeps the meatballs nice and moist.
• 1 Egg: To bind everything together.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Adds a savory punch.
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: More savory goodness.
• Salt and Pepper to Taste: Don’t be shy! Season generously.
• 1 (14 oz) can Cranberry Sauce: This is the star of the show! Whole berry or jellied, your call.
• 1 cup Chili Sauce: This adds a bit of tang and spice.
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: For sweetness and caramelization.
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a delicious tang.

You’ll find the best ingredients for these flavor-packed Cranberry Meatballs at your local grocery store. Splurge on good-quality ground meat – trust me, it makes a difference! For a flavor boost, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Now, on to the good stuff!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get down to business! This is where the magic happens, where ordinary ingredients transform into extraordinary Cranberry Meatballs. Don’t stress – your Cranberry Meatballs are going to be incredible!

Getting Started

1. Get Your Meatball Mix Ready: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix, or your meatballs will be tough.
2. Roll ‘Em Up: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. I like to use a small cookie scoop to keep them uniform. Pro tip for Cranberry Meatballs perfection: lightly wet your hands with cold water to prevent the meat from sticking.
3. Bake (or Brown) Those Beauties: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat. This will add even more flavor!

Making the Sauce

4. Sauce Time! While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Simmer and Savor: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce mixture. Stir to coat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a symphony of deliciousness. In my kitchen, this Cranberry Meatballs simmer takes exactly 18 minutes – the sweet spot for maximum flavor infusion.
6. Serve and Devour: Serve these Cranberry Meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired. Prepare for flavor explosions!

Here’s where most people mess up their Cranberry Meatballs – they rush the simmering process! Don’t skip this step, it’s crucial for developing that signature sweet and tangy flavor. While your Cranberry Meatballs are working their magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! These are the perfect Party meatballs!

PRESENTATION

Presentation is everything, my friends! These Cranberry Meatballs deserve to be showcased in all their glory.

For maximum impact, serve these Cranberry Meatballs in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting, perfect for parties. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Cranberry Meatballs at potlucks. Offer them with toothpicks or small skewers for easy grabbing. This Cranberry Meatballs absolutely slays at holiday parties!

Bold Pairing Suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes are a perfect counterpoint to the sweet and tangy meatballs.
• Rice: A simple bed of rice is a great way to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Green Beans: A pop of freshness and color!
• Pasta: Tossed with a little olive oil and Parmesan cheese, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal.

For an Instagram-worthy plating technique, arrange the Cranberry Meatballs in a serving dish, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs. If you have leftover Cranberry Meatballs (which is rare!), transform them into sliders or add them to a pasta bake. For a seasonal variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce during the holidays.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! I’ve been making these Cranberry Meatballs for years, and I’ve learned a thing or two along the way.

• Can I make this Cranberry Meatballs spicier? Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• What if I don’t have chili sauce for my Cranberry Meatballs? You can substitute ketchup or tomato paste. Just add a little extra apple cider vinegar for tang.
• Can I use frozen meatballs? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the sauce.
• How do I know when my Cranberry Meatballs are perfectly done? They should be browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Use a meat thermometer to check – they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Can I make this Cranberry Meatballs in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the meatballs first, then add them to the slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
• Can I freeze these Cranberry Meatballs? Yes! Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• What if my sauce is too thick? Add a little water or broth to thin it out.

The community feedback about this Cranberry Meatballs recipe has been amazing! People love how easy and delicious it is. Remember, cooking should be fun! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own.

CONCLUSION

These Cranberry Meatballs represent everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, easy recipes, and food that brings people together. It’s not just about the taste, it’s about creating memories and sharing good times around the table. They’re the perfect Holiday meatballs!

Cranberry Meatballs Power Tips:

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture! Overmixing leads to tough meatballs.
• Brown those meatballs! Browning adds depth of flavor.
• Simmer, simmer, simmer! Don’t rush the simmering process. It’s key to flavor fusion.

Cranberry Meatballs Variations:

• Cranberry BBQ Meatballs: Add a touch of your favorite BBQ sauce to the cranberry sauce mixture.
• Spicy Cranberry Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cranberry Ginger Meatballs: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the meatball mixture and a tablespoon of grated ginger to the sauce.

The Cranberry BBQ version consistently gets the biggest reactions! These are the perfect Appetizer meatballs!

I encourage you to make this Cranberry Meatballs your signature dish! I have total confidence in your cooking success. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this flavor explosion! These Cranberry Meatballs remind me of another flavor explosion, my Cranberry Turkey Meatballs! If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs! These Sweet and sour meatballs are a guaranteed party hit! For more bold flavor adventures, check out my Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce!

Now go forth and create some Cranberry Meatballs memories! Share your results and tag me in your photos! I can’t wait to see what you create.

• Meatballs with cranberry sauce or grape jelly?
• Savory Crock Pot Party Meatballs Recipe from Fab Everyday!
• Crockpot turkey cranberry meatballs recipe needed

 
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Cranberry Meatballs

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Pin Recipe

These Cranberry Meatballs are a perfect appetizer or main course, combining savory meatballs with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. They’re easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or a weeknight dinner.

• Author: Quinn
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 (14 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup chili sauce
• 1/4 cup water

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
4. Place meatballs in a baking dish.
5. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and water. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
6. Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
8. Serve hot.

Notes

For a richer flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.