🎄✨ Festive Christmas Meatballs Recipe – Easy Holiday Appetizer Everyone Will Love!

Table of Contents: Christmas Meatballs

Christmas Meatballs

Looking for a crowd-pleasing holiday appetizer that’s both easy and delicious? These Christmas Meatballs combine savory ground beef with sweet-tart cranberry sauce for a festive bite that will disappear fast at any gathering!

---

Introduction: Festive Meatball Recipes for the Holidays

There’s something magical about bite-sized appetizers during the holidays—especially when they’re as flavorful as these Christmas Meatballs. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, preparing a cozy family dinner, or need a quick easy cocktail meatball recipe, these meatballs deliver on taste and convenience.

What makes this recipe special? The blend of onion soup mix, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley gives the meatballs a rich, herby depth, while the sweet-and-tangy cranberry-ketchup glaze adds a festive touch. Plus, they’re versatile—serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal, or even in a slow cooker to keep them warm for guests.

Perfect for holiday party appetizers, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit. They’re simple enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for Christmas Eve gatherings. Let’s dive into this festive meatball recipe that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!

---

Alternate Names & Variations

If you’re searching for similar recipes, you might also know these as:
– Holiday Cranberry Meatballs
– Cocktail Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze
– Slow Cooker Party Meatballs

Variation Tip: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile. For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili flakes to the sauce.

---

Ingredients: Christmas Meatballs

Christmas Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

– 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
– 1 envelope onion soup mix
– ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
– ¼ cup chopped dried cranberries
– 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
– 1½ pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)

For the Sauce:

– 1 can (14 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce
– ¾ cup ketchup
– ½ cup beef broth
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
– 2 teaspoons cider vinegar

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine beaten eggs, onion soup mix, bread crumbs, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley. Mix well, then add ground beef. Gently combine (avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender).

2. Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (about 36 meatballs). For even cooking, keep them uniform in size.

3. Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (they’ll finish cooking in the sauce).

4. Make the Cranberry Glaze

In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, chopped onion, and cider vinegar. Simmer for 5 minutes until smooth.

5. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Add browned meatballs to the glaze, coating evenly. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.

Chef’s Tip: For extra flavor, let meatballs sit in the sauce for 10 minutes before serving.

---

Recipe Card Block

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 6 (approx. 6 meatballs per serving) | Calories: 320 per serving

---

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

– Sweet & Savory Balance – The cranberry glaze complements the umami-rich beef perfectly.

– Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare meatballs a day in advance and reheat before serving.

– Slow Cooker Option – Transfer browned meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker on “Warm” for easy serving.

Pro Tip: For a smoother sauce, blend the cranberry mixture before simmering.

---

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

– Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freeze: Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
– Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

---

People Also Ask: Christmas Meatballs

Christmas Meatballs

What kind of meat should I use for Christmas meatballs?

Lean ground beef (90% lean) works best for tender meatballs. However, you can substitute ground turkey, pork, or a mix for variety. Avoid overly fatty meat, as it may cause shrinkage.

Can I make Christmas meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving. They taste even better as flavors meld overnight.

What can I serve with Christmas meatballs?

These pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. For appetizers, serve with toothpicks and a side of extra sauce.

Can I cook these meatballs in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning, transfer meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker and cook on Low for 2–3 hours. Perfect for keeping them warm at parties.

---

Conclusion: Festive Meatball Recipes for Every Occasion

These Christmas Meatballs are a must-try for any holiday spread! Whether you need easy cocktail meatballs for a party or a comforting family dish, this recipe delivers. Share your creations with us—we’d love to hear how they turned out!

---

You Might Also Like:

– Easy Meatloaf Roll-Ups – A Fun Twist on a Classic Recipe!
– Easy Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving- Perfect for Festive! 🦃✨
– Spooky Halloween Charcuterie Board Idea – Easy & Festive Appetizer!
– Irresistible Italian Meatloaf Recipe – Easy & Flavorful Family Dinner!

Find Us On Pinterest and Facebook.

---

Print