Dinner

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

ByHugo Harnd December 6, 2025December 6, 2025

Introduction

These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs bring a festive twist to a classic favorite. Combining savory meat with a tangy cranberry glaze, they make a perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

A white bowl filled with about twelve round meatballs, each covered in a thick, shiny deep red sauce with a smooth texture. The meatballs are evenly coated and sit closely together, resting on a pool of the same sauce at the bottom of the bowl. Small bits of chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the top, adding a fresh contrast to the rich red sauce. The background is a white marbled texture with soft yellow and red blurred lights and greenery visible in the distance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar.
Step 5: Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Step 7: Serve warm as an appetizer.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry sauce for a more festive flavor.
Serve with toothpicks for easy party snacking.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the cranberry sauce mixture briefly before pouring it over the meatballs.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. These meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with round meatballs covered in a thick, shiny, deep red sauce, with small pieces of fresh green herbs sprinkled on top. The meatballs have a light brown, slightly rough texture under the sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a small green plant and red round objects that are out of focus, adding a festive touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. You can also freeze them before baking and cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.