Does cranberry sauce go with meatballs?

Yes, cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tart note that balances savory meat perfectly. It’s especially popular around the holidays for its festive flavor.

What kind of meat is used in cranberry meatballs?

Lean ground pork is traditional, but you can also use beef, turkey, or chicken. Each brings its own texture and taste.

What to serve cranberry meatballs with?

They go great with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or small dinner rolls. Add a green veggie for color and balance.

What does cranberry pair with?

Cranberry pairs well with pork, turkey, chicken, cheese, and citrus. It adds brightness to rich dishes.

Cranberry Meatballs Recipe – Sweet, Quick & Festive Favorite

Name: Cranberry Meatballs Recipe – Sweet, Quick & Festive Favorite
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: MEATBALLS; 1 small onion, grated or finely diced; 1½ pounds lean ground pork (90–95% lean); 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular); 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup tomato ketchup; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; SAUCE; 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or canned); 1 cup tomato ketchup; 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; OPTIONAL GARNISH; Fresh chopped parsley for topping

Description

Sweet and savory cranberry meatballs baked in 45 minutes — perfect for Christmas dinners and holiday parties.

Ingredients

Scale

MEATBALLS

1 small onion, grated or finely diced

1½ pounds lean ground pork (90–95% lean)

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

2 large eggs

1/3 cup tomato ketchup

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

SAUCE

2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)

1 cup tomato ketchup

3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

OPTIONAL GARNISH

Fresh chopped parsley for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix ground pork, onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper until combined.

3. Wet hands, then shape the mixture into about 32 even meatballs. Use a scoop for consistency.

4. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Internal temp should reach 160℉.

5. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat.

6. Add baked meatballs to the sauce, stirring gently until fully coated. Simmer 5–10 minutes to thicken and glaze.

7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm as an appetizer or over rice, noodles, or slider rolls.

Notes

Tips:

Use fresh lean pork for juicy results. If using turkey or chicken, add olive oil for extra moisture.

Substitutions:

Breadcrumbs → crushed crackers or oats

Cranberry sauce → grape jelly + vinegar

Lemon juice → apple cider vinegar

Brown sugar → honey or sugar + molasses

Storage:

Refrigerate up to 3 days in a sealed container.

Freeze up to 3 months with sauce.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, thinning sauce with a splash of water or broth if needed.

Serving Ideas:

Serve with toothpicks as appetizers or over rice, noodles, or slider rolls for a main meal.

Pair with roasted green beans or steamed broccoli for a full dinner.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Christmas Dinner Recipes
Method: Bake and Simmer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
Calories: 175
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 70mg