These Christmas Meatballs are the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Coated in a rich cranberry and BBQ glaze, they offer a deliciously festive twist on the traditional meatball. Whether served as an appetizer or as part of a main dish, they’re sure to bring a touch of holiday magic to your table.
With the warmth of Italian seasoning and the tanginess of the glaze, each bite of these meatballs feels like a cozy hug during the cold winter months. They’re easy to prepare, making them the ideal choice for busy holiday meals or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Serve them with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete and festive meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the meatballs back to the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, mix together the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and toss them in the glaze mixture until well-coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Christmas Meatballs: A Festive Twist on a Classic Dish
Introduction
Christmas is all about bringing family and friends together, and nothing does that quite like delicious, hearty food. These Christmas Meatballs are the perfect addition to your holiday spread. With a savory, zesty cranberry glaze and tender meatballs made from scratch, these are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next Christmas dinner or holiday party. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also look stunning on the table. Whether you’re looking for a festive appetizer or a tasty main dish, these meatballs will add that special holiday touch to your meal.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Meatballs
These meatballs combine the comforting, savory flavors of traditional meatballs with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze. The glaze adds a beautiful touch of color and a rich, festive flavor that makes the dish truly special for the holiday season. What’s even better is that this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can adjust the glaze to your taste and serve them in different ways to suit your holiday menu.
This dish is not only simple but also packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. The cranberry sauce gives them that signature holiday taste, making them perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or even as an appetizer for Thanksgiving. Plus, they are quick to make, meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities with your loved ones.
=Key Ingredients for the Best Christmas Meatballs
- Ground Beef: This is the base of the meatballs and provides the richness and flavor. You can also use a mix of ground pork and beef if you prefer a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and give them a light, fluffy texture when baked. Feel free to use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re catering to dietary restrictions.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, cheesy flavor that complements the meatballs perfectly. Freshly grated Parmesan will yield the best results, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
- Milk & Egg: These ingredients help bind the meat mixture and add moisture, ensuring the meatballs stay juicy and tender.
- Seasonings: A simple combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning gives the meatballs a flavor-packed base.
- Cranberry Sauce & BBQ Sauce: These two ingredients form the delicious glaze that coats the meatballs. The cranberry sauce adds sweetness and a bit of tang, while the BBQ sauce brings depth and a smoky flavor.
- Dijon Mustard & Honey: A touch of Dijon mustard gives the glaze a tangy kick, while honey adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberry sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Christmas Meatballs
- Prep the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, and all your seasonings. Mix everything together until just combined – don’t overmix, or the meatballs might be tough. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 2-3 minutes. You don’t need to cook them through at this point, just get a nice golden crust on the outside. This will help lock in flavor before baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Once browned, place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through (you can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should be 160°F or 71°C).
- Make the Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, whisk together cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl. Taste the glaze and adjust the flavors if you want it sweeter or tangier.
- Coat the Meatballs in the Glaze: Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the glaze over them. Gently toss until the meatballs are well coated in the sweet, tangy sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if you’d like to add a little extra color and freshness to the dish. You can serve them on their own as an appetizer or with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Meatballs Every Time
- Make Ahead: You can make the meatballs a day or two in advance. Just store the uncooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge and bake them just before serving.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even ground oats.
- Extra Flavor: If you love a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze or meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Freezing: These meatballs freeze really well. You can make a large batch and freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Meatballs
These Christmas Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your holiday meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes perfectly complement the savory meatballs and tangy glaze.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts make a great side dish to balance out the richness of the meatballs.
- Crisp Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and a balsamic glaze provides a nice contrast to the rich meatballs.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread, which is perfect for mopping up any leftover glaze on the plate.
Conclusion
These Christmas Meatballs are a delicious and easy way to add a festive touch to your holiday celebrations. With their savory flavors and sweet cranberry glaze, they make a great appetizer or main dish that will surely impress your guests. Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, these meatballs are perfect for any holiday meal. Serve them with your favorite sides, and enjoy a memorable dish that brings everyone together. Happy holidays and happy cooking!