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Christmas Meatballs Recipe: Easy Cranberry Tomato Glaze for Parties

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Tender, juicy meatballs baked and tossed in a festive cranberry tomato glaze—perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. The sweet-tangy sauce and savory meatballs make this a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko; gluten-free works)
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 small onion, finely minced (about 1/3 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (plain, no salt added)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If using a wire rack, set it on top of the baking sheet.
  2. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Stir and let sit for 3-5 minutes until crumbs are soft and milk is absorbed.
  3. In a large bowl, add soaked breadcrumbs, ground beef, ground pork, egg, Parmesan (if using), onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion mixture. Roll into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter (about 24 meatballs). Place on prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.
  5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). For extra browning, broil for 2 minutes at the end.
  6. While meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and allspice in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring often, for 8-10 minutes until thickened and glossy. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Transfer baked meatballs to saucepan with glaze. Toss to coat evenly or brush glaze on. Let sit in sauce for 3-5 minutes.
  8. Serve meatballs hot on a platter with extra glaze and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Offer toothpicks for appetizers or serve with rice or mashed potatoes for a main dish.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs and check Worcestershire sauce. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and use unsweetened non-dairy milk. Meatballs and glaze freeze well. Make ahead and reheat gently before serving. For extra browning, broil briefly after baking. Adjust glaze sweetness or tartness to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas meatballs, cranberry tomato glaze, holiday appetizer, party food, festive meatballs, easy meatball recipe, make ahead, freezer friendly

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/christmas-meatballs-recipe-easy-cranberry-tomato-glaze-for-parties/