Festive Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground turkey or chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper To make these meatballs, start with ground turkey or chicken. I like using turkey for a lighter meal. The breadcrumbs help bind everything together. Grated Parmesan adds a nice flavor and richness. Finely chopped onion and minced garlic give the meatballs a fresh taste. The egg acts as a binder. Don’t forget the salt and pepper for seasoning. - 1 cup cranberry sauce (preferably homemade, or store-bought without added sugar) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 2 teaspoons mustard (Dijon or yellow) - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger For the sauce, you can choose homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. I prefer homemade when I can, as it tastes fresher. If you use store-bought, check that it has no added sugar. The soy sauce and mustard add depth to the flavor. Ground ginger gives a warm spice that pairs well with the sweetness of the cranberries. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. 3. In a large mixing bowl, add ground turkey or chicken, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. 4. Next, add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. 5. Mix everything until it is well combined. Use your hands if needed. 6. Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. 7. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. 1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of cranberry sauce, soy sauce, mustard, and ground ginger. 2. Heat this mixture over medium-low heat. Stir gently until it warms through. 3. Make sure all the ingredients blend well together. This glaze adds great flavor. 1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They should be cooked through. 2. Check that they have a slight brown color on the outside. 3. After baking, let the meatballs cool for a few minutes. This helps with serving. 4. Serve the meatballs on a platter, drizzled with any leftover cranberry glaze. 5. Garnish with fresh parsley to make it look nice. Enjoy your festive dish! For perfect meatballs, size matters. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks evenly and makes them easy to eat. When mixing, do not overwork the meat. This keeps them tender. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for juicy results. You can swap spices to fit your taste. Try adding some smoked paprika for a smoky kick. For more sweetness, a touch of brown sugar in the glaze works well. If you want extra glaze, save some cranberry sauce. Brush it on right before serving for a shiny finish. When serving, use a large platter to show off those meatballs. Drizzle extra glaze over them for a festive look. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. You can also serve with toothpicks for easy eating. Pro Tips Use fresh herbs: Incorporating fresh parsley or thyme into your meatball mixture can elevate the flavor profile and add a delightful freshness. Check for doneness: To ensure that your meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Make ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when you're ready to serve! Experiment with flavors: Feel free to mix in different spices or sauces to the glaze for a unique twist. A splash of orange juice or zest can add a festive touch! {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this recipe. Ground beef, pork, or lamb work well. Each brings its own taste. If you want a lighter option, stick with ground turkey or chicken. If you need gluten-free meatballs, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed rice cereal. This keeps the meatballs tasty and safe for everyone. To spice things up, add herbs like thyme or rosemary. Fresh herbs can bring a bright taste. You can also try mixing in sage for a warm flavor. Using flavored cranberry sauces is another fun idea. Look for ones with orange zest or jalapeño. These add a twist to the classic taste. If you want low-sugar options, choose no-sugar-added cranberry sauce. This keeps the dish sweet without the extra sugar. For a vegetarian version, swap out the meat for lentils or plant-based meat. You can keep all the other ingredients the same. This way, you still get that rich flavor without using meat. To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container. Make sure to cover them with any extra glaze. This helps keep them moist. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. For reheating, use your microwave or oven. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This warms them through without drying them out. You can freeze cooked meatballs to enjoy later. Let them cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They will stay good for about three months. For thawing, move them to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until hot. For best practices, always check the meatballs for freshness. If they smell off or have a strange color, do not eat them. Signs of spoilage include a slimy texture or mold. When stored properly, refrigerated meatballs last three days. Frozen meatballs can last up to three months, maintaining their flavor and texture. You can check if meatballs are done by measuring their internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. The safe temperature for turkey or chicken meatballs is 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the center of a meatball. If it reads 165°F, they are ready! If not, bake them a few more minutes. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time! Prepare the meatballs and bake them. Allow them to cool completely. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Just reheat them when needed. These meatballs pair well with many side dishes. Here are some great options: - Mashed potatoes for a creamy touch. - Rice or quinoa for a hearty base. - Roasted vegetables for color and nutrition. - A fresh salad to add crunch. - Bread rolls for dipping in the sauce. Feel free to mix and match these sides to create a festive meal! These Christmas cranberry meatballs are a fun way to enjoy the season. We covered the main ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for perfect meatballs. You can try different flavors with ingredient swaps and variations. Don't forget to store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. Whether you stick to classic or try something new, these meatballs will impress your guests. Explore the options and have fun in the kitchen!$

Festive Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for festive gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey or chicken
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 unit egg
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons mustard
0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
to taste fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey (or chicken), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
In a separate saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, mustard, and ground ginger. Heat gently over medium-low heat until it's well mixed and warmed through.
Brush or drizzle the cranberry glaze over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly browned.
Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the meatballs on a platter, drizzled with any remaining cranberry glaze and garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For best results, use homemade cranberry sauce without added sugar.

Keyword appetizer, cranberry, holiday, meatballs