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Cranberry Meatballs: Easy Dinner Recipe for the Holidays

Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)

Festive, sweet-tangy cranberry meatballs made with tender pork, Worcestershire, herbs, and a cozy holiday cranberry glaze. Perfect for Christmas appetizers, parties, or a quick holiday dinner!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup tomato ketchup
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 small onion, grated or finely diced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
  • 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
  • 2 cups cranberry sauce
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 cup tomato ketchup

Method
 

  1. Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, ketchup, black pepper, grated onion, parsley, salt, and Worcestershire sauce.
  2. Add the ground pork and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until combined. Do not overmix, or the meatballs may become dense.
  3. Shape into meatballs (about 1–1.5 inches). Place on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, or pan-fry until browned and cooked through.
  5. Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, cranberry sauce, lemon juice, and ketchup. Heat over medium, stirring until smooth and bubbly.
  6. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5–10 minutes to coat and thicken.
  7. Serve warm as an appetizer or over rice or mashed potatoes for a holiday meal.

Notes

For extra holiday flair, garnish with chopped parsley or serve with toothpicks as a party appetizer.