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These festive cranberry meatballs are a holiday entertaining essential. The delightful blend of sweet and savory sauce elevates classic pork meatballs into an irresistible appetizer. The moment they start warming, the kitchen fills with an inviting aroma that draws everyone in.
Holiday Party Favorite
This recipe emerged from a search for an elegant yet approachable holiday appetizer. The combination of juicy meatballs and rich cranberry glaze creates the perfect party bite that keeps guests coming back for more throughout the evening.
Essential Ingredients
- Ground Pork: 1½ pounds for tender, flavorful meatballs
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup ensures proper binding
- Eggs: 2 large eggs hold everything together
- Cranberry Sauce: 2 cups provides festive flavor
- Tomato Ketchup: 1⅓ cups divided between meatballs and sauce
- Brown Sugar: 3 tablespoons adds caramelized notes
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon for balance
- Worcestershire: 2 tablespoons enhances savory depth
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup for garnish
Preparation Steps
- Preheat
- Set oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheet with parchment
- Form Meatballs
- Combine ingredients thoroughly and shape into uniform balls
- Bake
- Cook until golden brown, approximately 20 minutes
- Prepare Sauce
- Simmer cranberry mixture until well combined
- Combine
- Coat meatballs evenly with warm sauce
- Garnish
- Top with fresh parsley before serving
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Serving Suggestions
Present as appetizers with decorative picks, or serve as a main course over steamed rice. They pair wonderfully with buttered noodles and create a complete meal with a side of seasonal vegetables.
Pro Tips
Moisten hands while shaping to prevent sticking. A cookie scoop ensures consistent sizing. Monitor baking time carefully to maintain tenderness.
Variations
Ground turkey offers a lighter alternative. Consider grape jelly for a different sauce profile. Crushed saltines make an excellent breadcrumb substitute.
Storage Notes
Store refrigerated for up to three days. Freeze for three months in airtight containers for easy entertaining.
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Perfect for Celebrations
These meatballs embody holiday entertaining at its finest. The festive cranberry glaze and simple preparation allow more time for enjoying the celebration.
Quick and Simple
Complete preparation takes just 45 minutes, making these ideal for busy holiday gatherings without compromising on flavor or presentation.
Adaptable Recipe
Easily modified for dietary needs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or reduced sugar. The core flavors remain delicious with various adjustments.
Crowd Pleaser
Whether served at elegant parties or casual gatherings, these meatballs consistently impress. The perfect balance of flavors creates an appetizer that disappears quickly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I get these ready beforehand?
- Absolutely! Make them up to two days in advance and warm them up just before serving.
- → How do I shape the meatballs easily?
- Keeping your hands damp or using a small ice cream scoop helps make them a consistent size.
- → How can I tell when they're fully cooked?
- When the internal temperature hits 160°F, they're done—you'll need about 20 to 25 minutes.
- → Can these work as a main course?
- Yes, serve them over noodles or rice to turn them into a full meal.
- → Should I use homemade or canned cranberry sauce?
- Either one works great, so go with your preference!