Cranberry Meatballs Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion

There’s something special about dishes that balance sweet and savory flavors just right — and cranberry meatballs are a shining example. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, hosting game night, or looking for an easy weeknight dinner with a twist, this recipe is bound to impress. Juicy meatballs simmered in a tangy cranberry-based sauce create a dish that’s festive, flavorful, and impossible to resist.

The inspiration for this cranberry meatballs recipe comes from a blend of holiday traditions and potluck favorites. Growing up, it was the go-to appetizer at winter family gatherings — often the first dish to disappear. It combines comfort food with just the right amount of flair, and once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your own seasonal rotation.

Why Cranberry Meatballs Are a Must-Try

Cranberry meatballs aren’t just a holiday hit — they’re surprisingly versatile. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your recipe box:

• Flavor Fusion: The sweet-tart cranberry sauce mingled with savory meatballs creates a complex taste profile that’s both nostalgic and modern.

• Perfect for Entertaining: Whether you serve them as an appetizer or main course, they’re easy to prep ahead and keep warm in a slow cooker.

• Customizable: You can use turkey, beef, pork, or even plant-based meat for the base, making it adaptable to dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to make the best cranberry meatballs from scratch.

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner version)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup finely diced onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Cranberry Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce

• ½ cup chili sauce (like Heinz)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• ½ teaspoon ground allspice (optional for a festive touch)

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined — avoid overmixing, as that can make the meatballs tough.

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into 1-inch balls. You should get about 24 meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. Set aside.

2. Make the Cranberry Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, combine all sauce ingredients in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the cranberry sauce melts and the mixture is smooth, about 5-7 minutes.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning — more sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tang.

3. Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce

Add the cooked meatballs to the pan of warm cranberry sauce. Stir gently to coat them evenly. Let them simmer on low for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you’re serving them later, transfer everything to a slow cooker on the “warm” or “low” setting.

Serving Suggestions

These cranberry meatballs shine in a variety of settings. Here are some creative ways to serve them:

• Appetizer Style: Stick toothpicks in each meatball and serve them from a platter or slow cooker at your next gathering.

• Main Course: Serve over white rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a comforting, filling dinner.

• Party Sliders: Add them to small slider buns with a slice of cheese for a crowd-friendly handheld snack.

• Holiday Buffet: Include them on your Thanksgiving or Christmas table as a unique alternative to traditional dishes.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Meatballs

1. Don’t Overmix

When mixing your meatball ingredients, combine just until everything holds together. Overmixing leads to dense, rubbery meatballs.

2. Bake or Sear?

Baking is easier and healthier, but if you want extra flavor, you can sear the meatballs in a skillet before simmering them in the sauce. This adds a lovely caramelized crust.

3. Use a Slow Cooker for Convenience

Hosting a party? Keep your meatballs warm in a slow cooker. This also gives them more time to absorb the sauce flavors.

4. Make Ahead and Freeze

Cranberry meatballs freeze well. You can freeze the baked meatballs and sauce separately or combined in a freezer-safe container. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker when ready to serve.

Variations to Try

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try one of these versions to match your mood or menu:

• Spicy Cranberry Meatballs: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra kick.

• Orange-Cranberry Twist: Replace the vinegar with orange juice and add 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy zing.

• Swedish-Style Cranberry Meatballs: Use a cream-based sauce with a dollop of cranberry jam swirled in for a Nordic twist.

• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meat alternatives or a mixture of lentils and breadcrumbs for a vegetarian version.

Pairing Ideas

Wondering what goes well with cranberry meatballs? Here are some complementary side dishes and beverages:

Sides:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Wild rice pilaf

• Green beans almondine

• Buttery dinner rolls

Drinks:

• Sparkling apple cider

• Pinot Noir or Zinfandel (for red wine lovers)

• A festive cranberry mule cocktail

• Hot mulled cider in colder months

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 4 meatballs)

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 18g

• Fat: 14g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Sugars: 10g

• Sodium: 450mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on meat type and sauce ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! If you have leftover homemade cranberry sauce, simply mix it with chili sauce and a splash of vinegar for a more rustic version of the glaze.

Are cranberry meatballs kid-friendly?
Yes — kids love the slightly sweet taste. Just skip the cayenne if your little ones don’t like spice.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales easily. Just be sure to use a larger pot or slow cooker when doubling the batch.

What meat works best for these meatballs?
Ground beef is classic, but turkey, pork, or chicken also work beautifully. A 50/50 mix of beef and pork creates a juicy texture.

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