Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Perfect for Christmas Dinners)

The scent of sweet cranberry sauce simmering with tender, juicy meatballs fills the kitchen like a cozy Christmas hug. These Quick Cranberry Meatballs come together fast, but they taste like something you’ve been stirring all day. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or quiet nights by the tree, they bring holiday cheer to any table.

Why You’ll Love These Quick Cranberry Meatballs

These Quick Cranberry Meatballs are simple, festive, and full of flavor. The mix of savory pork with a tangy cranberry glaze creates the perfect sweet-and-salty balance. You can prep them ahead, freeze them, or reheat them for guests. They’re equally great as a cocktail bite or served over rice for a cozy dinner.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

Use lean ground pork (90–95%) for juicy, tender meatballs that hold their shape. Eggs help bind the mixture, while breadcrumbs (Panko gives extra crunch) keep it light. A little onion and parsley add freshness. Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce deepen the flavor, and simple seasonings of salt and pepper bring it all together.

For the Cranberry Sauce

The sauce blends cranberry sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and a touch of lemon juice. As it simmers, it turns glossy and thick, coating every meatball with a sweet-tart shine. It’s festive, vibrant, and perfectly balanced for the holidays.

How to Make Quick Cranberry Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Preheating ensures the meatballs cook evenly and stay juicy.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine pork, eggs, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined. Wet your hands or use a small scoop to shape about 32 medium meatballs.

Step 3: Bake Until Juicy and Golden

Place the meatballs on the baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they reach 160°F inside. Avoid overbaking so the centers stay tender and moist.

Step 4: Simmer the Cranberry Sauce

While they bake, mix cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a large skillet. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat. Taste and adjust the balance add sugar for sweetness or lemon for tang.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the baked meatballs to the warm sauce. Stir gently so they’re evenly coated, and let them simmer for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like a pop of green on top.

Recipe Tips and Variations

You can swap pork for turkey, chicken, or beef. If using chicken, add a spoon of olive oil for moisture. Substitute panko with crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Out of cranberry sauce? Try grape jelly or raspberry jam with a splash of vinegar. Dried parsley or fresh cilantro work as easy herb swaps. For sweetness, use honey or sugar with a drop of molasses. To make it dairy- and gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your ketchup and sauce labels.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs shine in many ways. Serve them with toothpicks for a party appetizer. Pile them over white rice or noodles for a warm dinner. Or tuck them into slider buns for a holiday sandwich. Pair them with garlic herb roasted potatoes and carrots side dish or creamy broccoli cheddar soup for cozy winter nights for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make the meatballs a day or two in advance, or freeze them for up to three months. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens.

Nutrition Snapshot

The full recipe has about 1200–1400 calories, 90–100 grams of protein, 60–70 grams of fat, and 130–150 grams of carbohydrates. For lighter portions, serve smaller batches or pair with a crisp green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Such Recipes

• crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta for effortless holiday mains
• festive peppermint bark brownies for holiday desserts
• hearty mushroom chicken soup for winter gatherings
• cheesy honey mustard chicken for a flavorful holiday main
• mini sweet potato pies for a Southern Christmas twist

Conclusion

These Quick Cranberry Meatballs bring together all the things we love about Christmas cooking: warmth, color, and joy. They’re simple enough for weeknights but festive enough for parties. Pair them with a comforting side, pour yourself something cozy, and let the holiday flavors shine. You can find more inspiration on Pinterest or follow along on Facebook for more easy, seasonal recipes from my kitchen to yours.

Print