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–+ servings
Quick Cranberry Meatballs

Quick Cranberry Meatballs That Wow Your Holiday Guests

Delight your guests with these Quick Cranberry Meatballs, a flavorful and easy holiday appetizer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Pork Choose 90-95% lean for optimal juiciness.
  • 1 cup Bread Crumbs Swap with crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
  • 1 large Egg A flax egg works well for a vegan alternative.
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots can be used for a milder taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder is a fine substitute.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust based on your dietary preferences.
  • 1 tsp Pepper Try red pepper flakes for added spice.
For the Cranberry Sauce
  • 1 cup Cranberry Sauce Opt for homemade or store-bought, with a preference for jellied or whole cranberry.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Honey or maple syrup work well as alternatives.
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce Use low-sodium options or coconut aminos for a gluten-free choice.
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch Arrowroot powder is a suitable substitute.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • skillet
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and mix until well blended.
  3. Form the mixture into approximately 32 medium-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  4. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
  5. In a skillet, combine the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Heat until boiling, stirring frequently.
  6. Transfer the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently stir to coat with the sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve as finger food or in mini rolls.

Nutrition

Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 20gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These Quick Cranberry Meatballs can be made ahead and stored for meal prep, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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