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Nov 4, 2019

Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

Check out these cranberry glazed meatballs in a sweet and spicy sauce! Don't you think they'd make a delicious holiday appetizer? 


Check out these cranberry glazed meatballs in a sweet and spicy sauce!



The sauce for these meatballs is so tangy and bright. I'm pretty sure these will be the first appetizer to disappear at your holiday party.

I love using cranberries in savory dishes. They make a great sauce for pork chops and pork tenderloin. After trying cranberries in this sauce for these beef meatballs, I can't wait to try a cranberry pan sauce with steaks as well.

Cranberry Glazed Meatballs in a bowl



These cranberry glazed meatballs would also be wonderful as a main course. Serve them over rice or noodles along with a green salad for a hearty and comforting meal.

Make-ahead tips for these cranberry glazed meatballs:


There are lots of make-ahead options for making these meatballs. You can mix and form the meatballs a day in advance (be sure to refrigerate immediately). You can also make the sauce a day in advance. 

Finally, you can make this entire dish the day before you serve it and reheat the meatballs in the sauce right before serving. In fact, it's even better that way. 


Cranberry Glazed Meatball appetizers



Now that grocery stores are stocked up on cranberries, I am stocking up on them too. I usually try to keep 4 or 5 bags in my freezer for when every I have a cranberry emergency. I can make this cranberry almond shortbread tart and cranberry crumble bars any time of the year. 

If you can't find fresh or frozen cranberries, or if you want to save time, you can substitute a can of whole berry cranberry sauce. 

To create a smooth sauce, I blended the mixture with an immersion blender (affiliate link) after cooking. I love using mine when blending hot ingredients rather than transferring them to a blender. It's great for blending hot soups too. When my last one died, I immediately ordered a new one. 


Cranberry Glazed Meatball appetizers in a bowl


If you love retro meatballs, don't forget to try porcupine meatballs too! 

It's Cranberry Week! See all the other delicious cranberry recipes being shared today:




Cranberry Glazed Meatballs


Cranberry Glazed Meatballs
Yield: 24 servings
Author:
Cranberry glazed meatballs in a sweet and spicy sauce for a delicious holiday appetizer.

ingredients:

For the Meatballs
  • 2 pounds ground beef, 85% lean
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup fresh bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion or onion powder
For the Sauce
  • 1 bag of cranberries, prepared into cranberry sauce per the package directions, or one 14-ounce can of whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 (12-ounce) bottle of chili sauce (such as Heinz or Homemade brand)
  • 1/4 cup orange marmalade
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce

instructions:

How to cook Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

To Make the Meatballs
  1. Combine the beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Form the mixture into about 48 1-inch balls.
  3. Cook the meatballs in a large frying pan over medium heat, in batches until well browned all over, about 7 minutes. Remove the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
To Make The Cranberry Glaze and Finish the Meatballs
  1. Combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, marmalade, and sriracha sauce in a large sauce pan and bring to a simmer. Cook for five minutes and remove from the heat.
  2. Blend the sauce in the pan with an immersion blender (alternatively, you can blend with a food processor or blender).
  3. Add the meatballs to the pan and and cook on low for about 20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.
Calories
173.88
Fat (grams)
7.20
Sat. Fat (grams)
2.63
Carbs (grams)
15.97
Fiber (grams)
1.70
Net carbs
14.27
Sugar (grams)
10.71
Protein (grams)
11.48
Sodium (milligrams)
163.46
Cholesterol (grams)
49.14
meatballs, cranberries
appetizers, holiday cooking
American
Created using The Recipes Generator
Recipe adapted from Berries: Sweet and Savory Recipes (affiliate link)


Would you like to comment?

  1. I've seen meatballs made with a cranberry glaze before, but these look more rich and love the sound of the flavors you have added. Yum!

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  2. I used to do a brisket with cranberry sauce and onion soup that we loved, but stopped making it because of the soup mix. Love the idea of the chili sauce and the sriracha/marmalade combo, like an appetizer meatball. They look delish and I think the fam would love them!

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    Replies
    1. Ooooh. This definitely would be tasty on a brisket!

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  3. I love having a crock of sweet and spicy or sweet and sour meatballs on hand when company arrives. Perfect little appetizers while we enjoy before dinner cocktails.

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    Replies
    1. They are perfect for a Crock Pot for serving. Thanks!

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  4. Funny...I always find myself reaching for my blender because it's easier to get to. It's also easier to destroy your entire kitchen with...you know what I'm talking about. Blender explosions are never fun!!!

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  5. These look absolutely scrumptious, Karen! So flavorful and perfect for the whole family.

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  6. Those look delicious! I love the sweet and spicy sauce.

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  7. These sound amazing - a great twist on the classic grape jelly and chili sauce meatballs! I'll definitely be trying these and I think my toddler will love them, too!

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  8. I love to use cranberry sauce when I make meatballs! It is such a great combo of tangy and sweet!

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  9. Your meatballs look awesome! I am planning on making these during the holidays! Can't wait!

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