The holidays are the perfect time to bring out delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizers that everyone will love. These Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry Orange Sauce are sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor—making them an ideal dish for festive gatherings. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, a main dish over rice, or alongside holiday sides, these meatballs are sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive flavors – The combination of cranberry, orange, and barbecue sauce brings a rich, tangy-sweet taste perfect for the holiday season.
- Easy to prepare – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this recipe stress-free.
- Great for parties – Serve these meatballs as a delightful appetizer or a hearty dish over mashed potatoes or rice.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare in advance and warm them up when needed.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Zest of 1 large orange
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry and Orange Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until evenly combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Use a small scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between each for even cooking.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and lightly browned on the outside.
Step 4: Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, and orange zest. Stir frequently until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Coat the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry-orange sauce. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry Orange Sauce!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Saucepan
- Spoon for stirring
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat in a saucepan with the sauce.
- Reheating: Warm the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs – Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cranberry-orange sauce.
- Slow Cooker Option – Place the baked meatballs in a slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and keep on low for up to 2 hours for an easy party dish.
FAQ
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully prepare and bake the meatballs in advance, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat them in the sauce on the stovetop.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?
Absolutely! Simmer 1 ½ cups of fresh cranberries with ½ cup of orange juice and ¼ cup of honey or sugar until softened, then blend and use in place of the jellied cranberry sauce.
Final Thoughts
Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry Orange Sauce are a must-have dish for festive gatherings. Their sweet, tangy sauce and juicy, tender meatballs make them a crowd favorite. Try them this holiday season and impress your family and friends with this flavorful and easy-to-make dish!
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