Christmas Meatballs are a delightful holiday treat that will steal the spotlight at any festive gathering. With a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, these juicy meatballs are coated in a luscious glaze that gives them a distinct tang, making them a standout addition to your holiday spread. Whether served as a party appetizer or a main course, these meatballs are sure to impress guests and leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Flavorful: These Christmas meatballs feature a rich, sweet-tangy glaze, making them ideal for holiday celebrations. Their unique combination of flavors will appeal to guests of all ages.
- Versatile and Easy: You can serve these meatballs as appetizers on toothpicks or pair them with side dishes for a satisfying main course. The simple ingredients and straightforward preparation ensure they’re stress-free to make.
- Customizable: Personalize the meatball mix or glaze to match your tastes. Add extra spices, swap the sauces, or even switch up the meat to suit dietary preferences.
- Great for Parties: Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a big holiday bash, these meatballs can easily be served as a finger food appetizer or as part of a heartier meal.
Ingredients (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mixture of beef and ground turkey)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for a holiday touch)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (smooth or whole berry)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for extra warmth)
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and optional nutmeg. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there’s a bit of space between each meatball so they cook evenly.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If you want to check if they are cooked properly, use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C).
- Make the Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and ground cinnamon (if using). Stir the mixture over medium heat until it becomes smooth and starts to simmer. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning.
- Combine Meatballs and Glaze: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to a large skillet or slow cooker. Pour the warm glaze over the meatballs, making sure they’re all evenly coated. Gently toss them or stir to ensure every meatball is covered in the sweet-tangy glaze. If using a slow cooker, you can set it to the “warm” setting to keep the meatballs heated for serving.
- Serve: Serve these flavorful meatballs warm with toothpicks as an appetizer, or pair them with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a main course. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flair.
Serving and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 24 meatballs, which will serve about 4-6 people as a main dish or 8-10 as appetizers.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Turkey Meatballs: For a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey. These will still be delicious and light.
- Spicy Glaze: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze. This adds a spicy twist to the sweet flavor.
- Sweet BBQ Glaze: If you’re looking for a different taste, swap out the cranberry sauce for barbecue sauce and add a bit of honey for a sweet, smoky glaze.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: For a fun surprise, you can stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese before baking. When you bite into the meatball, you’ll experience a gooey cheesy center.
- Gluten-Free Version: If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in the meatballs.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll still taste just as delicious when reheated.
- Freezing: These meatballs can also be frozen. To do so, freeze the cooked meatballs and glaze separately in airtight containers. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat the meatballs, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the glaze has thickened too much.
Christmas Meatballs
These festive meatballs are a perfect holiday appetizer or main dish. Coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, they’re full of flavor and sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional, for a holiday touch
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional for extra warmth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until fully combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cinnamon (if using). Stir and heat over medium heat until smooth and heated through.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a skillet or slow cooker and pour the glaze over them. Stir gently to coat.
- Serve the meatballs warm, either with toothpicks as an appetizer or alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a main course.
Nutrition
Serving: 1peopleCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
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FAQs
- Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and glaze separately in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and then combine and heat them just before serving.
- Can I use frozen meatballs? Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs. Simply heat them through in the oven and then toss them in the glaze.
- Can I substitute cranberry sauce? If you’re not a fan of cranberry sauce, you can use alternatives like grape jelly, apricot preserves, or orange marmalade for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.
- How can I prevent the meatballs from falling apart? The key is not to overmix the meat mixture. Gently combine the ingredients and avoid overworking the meat. Additionally, make sure the meatballs are rolled firmly but not too tight.
- Can I cook these in a slow cooker? Absolutely! You can bake the meatballs in advance and transfer them to a slow cooker with the glaze. Keep it on the “warm” setting to keep the meatballs heated and ready for serving.
- Are these meatballs gluten-free? Yes, to make them gluten-free, simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Can I double the recipe? This recipe is easily scalable! Just double the ingredients and adjust the baking time if needed.
- What sides pair well with these Christmas meatballs? These meatballs can be served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a warm, crusty loaf of bread.
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, feel free to use ground chicken, lamb, or a combination of meats to suit your preferences. Each variation will offer a unique flavor to the meatballs.
- How do I thicken the glaze? If your glaze is too thin, simply simmer it for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken.
Conclusion These Christmas Meatballs are a perfect way to infuse your holiday meals with flavor and fun. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a festive dinner, these juicy, flavorful meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Serve them as appetizers with toothpicks for easy snacking or pair them with a hearty side for a satisfying main course. With their sweet and tangy glaze, they’re bound to become a favorite in your holiday recipe collection.
Enjoy making these meatballs a part of your family’s holiday tradition!
