Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the ultimate holiday appetizer. Easy to make and bursting with festive flavors, they’ll quickly become a favorite at your celebrations!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 small onion grated or finely diced
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground pork 90–95% lean
- 1 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 2 cups cranberry sauce homemade or canned
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prep for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then form the mixture into medium-sized meatballs (about 32 meatballs). For even sizes, use a small ice cream scoop.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball reads 160°F (71°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce
- While the meatballs are baking, combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a large skillet. Stir over medium heat until the mixture starts to boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
- Gently stir the baked meatballs into the cranberry sauce, ensuring each meatball is well-coated. Let them simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley for a festive touch. Serve warm and enjoy!