Holiday Cranberry Meatball Bites: Sweet and Savory Party Appetizer

Looking for the perfect holiday appetizer that blends sweet, tangy, and savory flavors? These Holiday Cranberry Meatball Bites are a crowd-pleasing favorite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. Easy to prepare and beautifully glazed, they’re the kind of dish guests will ask for every year.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (16-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
• 1 (18-ounce) bottle BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Lightly grease a nonstick baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the meatball mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, ketchup, beaten eggs, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix with your hands or a sturdy spoon until fully combined but not overworked, which helps the meatballs stay tender.

Step 3: Shape the meatballs
Form the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Arrange them evenly on your baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Step 4: Bake the meatballs
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, turning once halfway through for even browning. The outside should be golden and slightly crisp.

Step 5: Prepare the cranberry glaze
In a large saucepan, add the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over low flame, stirring occasionally until smooth and glossy. This combination creates a balanced glaze that’s both sweet and tangy.

Step 6: Simmer the meatballs
Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them into the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Gently coat each meatball, then simmer on low heat for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure every meatball is evenly coated.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish or slow cooker to keep warm during your gathering. Serve with decorative toothpicks for easy, bite-sized enjoyment.

Pro Tips

1. Make ahead for convenience: You can prepare and bake the meatballs a day before, then reheat them in the cranberry glaze before serving.
2. Try different meats: Swap beef for turkey or pork for a lighter or richer flavor profile.
3. Adjust sweetness: Taste the glaze and adjust with extra brown sugar or lemon juice to balance according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

• Serve as appetizers: Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy finger food at parties.
• Add to a meal: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or rice for a full dinner option.
• Perfect with drinks: These sweet-savory bites pair wonderfully with sparkling cider, red wine, or holiday punch.
• Festive display idea: Serve them in a slow cooker set to “warm” for buffets and gatherings—guests can help themselves all night long.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

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