Go Back
+ servings
Quick Cranberry Meatballs

Quick Cranberry Meatballs: Your Easy Holiday Party Hero

Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a delicious and effortless appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Pork Look for 90-95% lean for juicy meatballs.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Gluten-free breadcrumbs work too.
  • 1 large Eggs Acts as a binder.
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic is a tasty substitute.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh onion can alter moisture content.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Optional, for color and freshness.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Cranberry Sauce Whole or jellied.
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch Can be omitted for a thinner sauce.

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional parsley until well mixed.
  3. Wet your hands lightly and form about 32 medium-sized meatballs, then place them on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160℉ and are browned.
  5. While the meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a skillet over medium heat until it boils, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Transfer the baked meatballs into the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let them simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes.
  7. Serve the meatballs with a slotted spoon and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 18gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These meatballs can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!