If you’re craving a dish that brings together cozy comfort and a splash of festive flavor, this Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs baked to perfection and then lovingly coated in a vibrant and tangy cranberry glaze that balances sweet, smoky, and savory notes in every bite. It’s an irresistible combo that feels both familiar and refreshingly creative, perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or when you just want to impress with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, those cranberry glazed meatballs will be on repeat in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering mouthwatering flavor and perfect texture. You’ll find hearty beef, creamy Parmesan, and fresh herbs working in harmony with a zesty glaze bursting with cranberry goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to make magic happen:
- 1 lb ground beef: The foundation of the meatballs, providing juiciness and rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle nuttiness and depth to the flavor.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the meatballs moist and tender during baking.
- 1 egg: The natural binder that holds all the ingredients together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the meatballs a lovely aromatic kick.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Freshness and color that brighten every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: The star ingredient for that signature sweet-tart glaze.
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce: Adds smoky depth and a touch of heat.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Boosts umami and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A natural sweetener that smooths out the tartness.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Lifts the glaze with a bright, tangy finish.
How to Make Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Meatballs
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the mixture is uniform but don’t overwork it, or the meatballs might turn tough. Then, shape the mixture into bite-sized 1-inch meatballs and arrange them with a bit of space on the baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re cooked through and beautifully browned on the outside. The aroma at this stage alone will have your mouth watering!
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Glaze
While the meatballs are baking, you can whip up the luscious cranberry glaze. Combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently now and then, until the glaze becomes smooth and all the flavors meld together. This sweet and tangy glaze is what makes this Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe truly special — you’ll love the balance it strikes between fruity brightness and savory depth.
Step 3: Coat the Meatballs and Serve
Once your meatballs come out of the oven perfectly cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour that glorious cranberry glaze over them. Toss gently to ensure each meatball wears an even, shiny coat of flavor. These cranberry glazed meatballs are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the bowl, so grab your biggest spoon and get ready for some serious deliciousness.
How to Serve Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the top is a classic choice. It not only enhances the vibrant red glaze but also adds a pop of fresh herbal aroma. For an extra touch, freshly cracked black pepper or a few thin slices of green onion bring a mild bite that brightens the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice, which soak up the tangy glaze perfectly. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad add freshness and a bit of crunch to round out your meal with texture and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking for a show-stopper idea? Serve the cranberry glazed meatballs on toasted baguette slices for a festive appetizer. Alternatively, skewer them with toothpicks for easy party bites or pile them high on a slider bun for a crowd-pleasing mini sandwich. The possibilities are endless and each one screams “fun and flavorful!”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply place any leftover cranberry glazed meatballs in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunches or a comforting dinner reheated in a snap.
Freezing
This Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe freezes brilliantly, so you can batch cook and save some for later. Arrange cooled meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen meatballs can keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your saved meatballs, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in a saucepan with the glaze or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This helps keep them juicy and coated in that irresistible cranberry glaze.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that work well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time since they can dry out faster than beef, and consider adding a bit more moisture like extra milk or an additional egg to maintain tenderness.
Is the cranberry glaze very sweet?
The glaze has a balanced sweetness thanks to the combination of cranberry sauce, honey, and tangy vinegar, but it also features savory notes from the soy and barbecue sauces. It’s not overpoweringly sweet and adds a wonderful layer of flavor that complements the meatballs perfectly.
Can I prepare the cranberry glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up slowly before tossing your freshly baked meatballs to restore that fantastic smooth consistency and bold flavor.
What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?
Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauce work well here. Choose one with a texture you enjoy—chunky or smooth—as it will influence the final glaze consistency. If it’s too thick, you can thin it slightly with a splash of water or apple cider vinegar.
Can I bake these meatballs in a slow cooker instead?
You certainly can! Brown the meatballs first in a skillet to seal in juices, then place them in the slow cooker with the cranberry glaze. Cook on low for about 2-3 hours. This is a hands-off method that keeps the meatballs tender, infused with the flavorful glaze.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magically satisfying about this Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe—warm, hearty meatballs kissed by a bright and tangy glaze that invites smiles with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, these meatballs bring joy and a little sparkle to the table. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become your new favorite way to enjoy meatballs with a zesty twist!
Print
Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Glazed Meatballs combine tender, flavorful beef meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, they offer a delightful balance of savory and fruity flavors with a hint of tanginess from apple cider vinegar and a smoky undertone from barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cranberry Glaze
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch-sized meatballs and arrange them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until they are fully cooked through and have a nice browned exterior.
- Prepare Cranberry Glaze: While the meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture becomes smooth and thoroughly blended.
- Glaze Meatballs: When the meatballs are done baking, transfer them into a large bowl and pour the warm cranberry glaze over them. Gently toss the meatballs to ensure they are evenly coated with the glaze.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry glazed meatballs hot, optionally garnished with extra chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can substitute the beef.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, but gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- The cranberry glaze can be adjusted to taste by varying the sweetness or tartness, adding more honey or vinegar as preferred.
- These meatballs can be served as a party appetizer or paired with rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Leftover glazed meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
