If you are searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines savory comfort with a bright, tangy twist, the Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe is your answer. These tender, juicy meatballs coated in a luscious cranberry chili glaze offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving them as a festive appetizer or a satisfying main course, this recipe is delightfully simple to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to ensuring your cranberry glazed meatballs turn out perfectly every time. Each component brings something special to the table—from the seasoning in the meatballs to the vibrant, glossy glaze that ties everything together.
- Ground beef or turkey: Provides the juicy, savory base of the meatballs with a tender texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them moist without being dense.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold the ingredients together.
- Milk: Adds moisture for juicy, tender meatballs.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: Deliver subtle depth of flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- Jellied cranberry sauce: The star of the glaze, bringing bright sweetness and vibrant color.
- Chili sauce: Adds a tangy kick and balances the sweetness with a little heat.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness for a rich, caramelized glaze.
- Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness with a pleasant acidity.
- Worcestershire sauce (optional): Adds a subtle umami boost for complexity.
How to Make Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Meatballs
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful to mix just until combined, as overworking the meat can make the meatballs tough. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your baking sheet. Bake for around 18 to 20 minutes until they are nicely browned and fully cooked through.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Glaze
While the meatballs bake, you can prepare the delicious glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. Once bubbling, reduce to a simmer and let it cook gently for about 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Meatballs and Glaze
After baking, transfer the hot meatballs straight into the saucepan with your cranberry glaze. Gently toss them to coat every meatball in the shiny, tangy sauce. Let the meatballs simmer on low heat for an additional 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors seep into every bite and the glaze thickens to the perfect consistency.
How to Serve Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your plate by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the glazed meatballs. Not only do these fresh garnishes add a pop of color, but they also introduce a subtle freshness that balances the sweet and tangy glaze.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or buttered egg noodles. The mildness of these sides helps highlight the vibrant flavors of the cranberry glaze, creating a comforting and complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve these cranberry glazed meatballs in a warm crockpot, gently bubbling to keep them saucy and irresistible. Alternatively, thread them onto cocktail picks for an easy finger food option that will impress guests at any party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cranberry glazed meatballs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making for a convenient snack or quick meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatballs either before glazing or after cooking and glazing. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve their texture and flavor.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your cranberry glazed meatballs is gently on the stovetop over low heat. This method warms the meatballs through without drying them out and helps the glaze stay sticky and luscious. If you’re short on time, reheating in the microwave covered can work too, but watch carefully to avoid drying.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully and offers a lighter alternative while still absorbing the cranberry glaze flavors beautifully.
Is it possible to make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep them safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make the glaze spicier?
Definitely! You can increase the chili sauce amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for an extra kick of heat to suit your taste.
How do I prevent meatballs from drying out during baking?
Using a mixture of meat with some fat like ground beef or adding milk really helps. Also, avoid overbaking and mixing the meat too much when forming the balls to keep them juicy and tender.
Can these meatballs be served cold?
While they’re best enjoyed warm to fully appreciate the glaze, leftover cranberry glazed meatballs can be served cold as a tasty snack or party bite as well.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe is a little slice of culinary joy that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor and charm. Whether it’s game day, a holiday get-together, or just a cozy night in, these meatballs deliver that perfect sweet and savory punch everyone loves. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to dish that everyone raves about!
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Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cranberry Glazed Meatballs feature a perfect balance of savory and sweet with tender meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a tangy cranberry chili glaze. Ideal as a festive appetizer or a comforting main dish when served over rice or mashed potatoes, this recipe is both easy to prepare and irresistibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cranberry Glaze
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- ½ cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space to cook evenly.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Cranberry Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until smooth and bubbling.
- Simmer the Glaze: Reduce the heat and let the glaze simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them into the saucepan with the glaze. Toss gently to coat each meatball evenly.
- Simmer Meatballs in Glaze: Continue to simmer the glazed meatballs on low heat for an additional 5–10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the sweet and tangy flavors.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry-glazed meatballs warm as an appetizer or pair them with rice or mashed potatoes to create a satisfying main course.
Notes
- For extra depth, add a dash of cinnamon or allspice to the cranberry glaze for a warm spice note.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen; simply thaw and reheat them in the glaze before serving.
- This recipe works well using turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option.
