Holiday Mini Beef Meatball Skewers with Cranberry Barbecue Sauce

Mini Beef Meatball Skewers with Cranberry BBQ Sauce

These festive mini beef meatball skewers are perfect for holiday gatherings. Juicy beef and zucchini meatballs paired with a tangy cranberry barbecue sauce create a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Meatballs and Skewers

• 1 pound ground beef (96% lean)
• 1 cup grated fresh zucchini
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 small onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 red bell peppers, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 green bell peppers, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

For the Cranberry Barbecue Sauce

• 1 can (16 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Mixture
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, grated zucchini, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix lightly until all ingredients are evenly combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into 24 small 1-inch meatballs. Arrange them neatly on a plate or tray as you work to keep them uniform in size.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Alternate threading meatballs, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and onion pieces onto twelve 6-inch skewers. This adds both color and flavor. Place the prepared skewers on a shallow-rimmed baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball reads 160°F. If desired, line your baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 5: Make the Cranberry Barbecue Sauce
While the skewers are baking, combine the cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle the warm cranberry barbecue sauce over the baked meatball skewers or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Serve immediately while hot.

Pro Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them a day in advance to save time on the day of your gathering.
2. Uniform Cooking: Keep meatballs the same size for even cooking and consistent texture.
3. Extra Flavor: Brush the skewers with a light coating of sauce before baking for a caramelized glaze.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

• Serve these skewers as part of a holiday appetizer platter with stuffed mushrooms, roasted nuts, and a seasonal salad.
• Pair with sparkling cranberry punch or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir for a festive touch.
• These skewers also work beautifully as a main dish when served with roasted potatoes or wild rice.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 skewer	130	9g	10g	6g	1g	5g

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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