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
Scale
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.
