When you think about Christmas Eve, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the warm glow of the tree, the sound of laughter filling the house, and of course, the amazing food. The air is just buzzing with excitement, isn’t it?
But let’s be honest. Hosting can be a lot of work. You want to serve something special, something everyone will love, without spending the entire evening in the kitchen. That’s where these incredible cranberry meatballs come in. They are the perfect Christmas Eve Appetizers.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, these meatballs are ridiculously easy to make. Seriously. Even if you are a total beginner in the kitchen, you can pull these off without a hitch. The steps are simple and straightforward.
The flavor is just out of this world. You get that wonderful savory taste from the beef and seasonings, combined with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. It is a classic holiday combination that just works.
They are a true crowd pleaser. I have never served these without getting requests for the recipe. They disappear from the plate so fast! They are some of the best Holiday Party Appetizers you can imagine.
You can also make them ahead of time. This is a huge plus for any party host. Prepare them a day or two in advance and just heat them up before your guests arrive. Less stress is always a good thing during the holidays.
Plus, they look so festive! The deep red of the cranberry sauce garnished with fresh green parsley just screams Christmas. It adds a beautiful pop of color to your appetizer spread. A truly great option for Christmas Eve Appetizers.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for these tasty christmas appetizers. The list is simple, with ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
For The Meatballs
- 1 small onion, grated or finely chopped
- 1 ½ pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
For The Sauce
- 2 cups cranberry sauce, homemade or store bought
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to create some holiday magic? Let’s walk through how to make these wonderful Christmas Eve Appetizers. It’s easier than you think.
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step. You want the oven nice and hot when the meatballs go in so they cook evenly.
Next, grab a large baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This little trick makes cleanup so much easier. No one wants to be scrubbing pans on Christmas Eve, right?
Step 2: Mix The Meatball Ingredients
Find a large mixing bowl. You will want plenty of room to combine everything without making a mess. Add all of your meatball ingredients into the bowl. This includes the ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Now for the fun part. Gently mix everything together with your hands. Be careful not to overwork the meat. Mixing just until the ingredients are combined will give you tender, juicy meatballs every time.
Step 3: Form And Bake The Meatballs
Here is a neat tip. Wet your hands slightly with water before you start rolling. This prevents the meat mixture from sticking to your hands. It makes the whole process smoother and cleaner.
Roll the mixture into medium size meatballs. You should get about 32 meatballs from this recipe. For perfectly uniform meatballs, try using a small ice cream scoop. It is a great kitchen hack!
Place the formed meatballs onto your prepared baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each one. This helps them bake evenly and get a nice color.
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The best way to know if they are done is to use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Prepare The Tangy Cranberry Sauce
While your meatballs are baking away, you can get the sauce ready. This delicious sauce is what makes these such stand out Easy Christmas Appetizers For A Party.
In a large skillet, combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and cook it over medium heat. You want to bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently while you wait for the meatballs to finish baking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine And Serve Your Delicious Christmas Appetizers
Once the meatballs are cooked through, carefully remove them from the oven. Using a spatula, transfer them from the baking sheet directly into the skillet with the simmering sauce.
Gently stir the meatballs into the sauce until they are all coated. Let them cook together for a few more minutes until the meatballs are heated through completely. The aroma will be absolutely amazing.
Your Christmas Eve Appetizers are ready to serve! Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley for a touch of color. Serve them warm with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Enjoy the compliments!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Let the meatballs cool down to room temperature first. This is important for food safety.
Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. They make a great snack or a quick lunch the next day.
These meatballs also freeze really well. For best results, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer safe bag or container. They will keep for up to three months.
To reheat, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, gently warm them in a skillet on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. They will taste just as good as the day you made them. What a treat for future Holiday Party Appetizers!
Tips
Want to make your Christmas Eve Appetizers even better? Here are a few handy tips and tricks that can help you along the way. They’re all simple ideas to get great results.
Do not overmix the meatball mixture. I mentioned this before, but it is worth repeating. Overworking the ground beef can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until everything is combined for a tender result.
Feel free to switch up the meat. While extra lean ground beef is great, you could also use ground turkey or chicken. A combination of ground pork and beef would also be very flavorful. It is a flexible recipe.
Use a slow cooker for parties. This is my favorite tip for serving Easy Christmas Appetizers For A Party. Once the meatballs are baked and coated in sauce, transfer them to a slow cooker set on the warm setting. This keeps them at a great temperature for hours.
Customize the sauce to your liking. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a smokier flavor, a dash of smoked paprika works wonders. You could even use a different kind of jelly, like apricot or grape, for a unique twist.
Get creative with garnishes. Fresh parsley is classic, but fresh rosemary sprigs or a little orange zest would add a beautiful and festive touch. It makes the dish look extra special on your holiday table.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A straightforward, flavorful, and festive recipe for cranberry meatballs. They are truly one of the best Christmas Eve Appetizers you can make. They check all the boxes: easy, delicious, and pretty to look at.
This recipe is all about bringing people together with good food, without adding any stress to your holiday preparations. It allows you to spend more time with your loved ones, which is what the season is all about.
So give these a try for your next gathering. I am confident they will become a new holiday tradition in your home. Happy cooking, and have a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and tasty treats!
FAQ
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce up to two days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply combine them in a skillet and heat until warm. This is a great time saver.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs For This Recipe?
Yes, you certainly can. If you are short on time, using pre cooked frozen meatballs is a great shortcut. You can skip the baking step. Just thaw them and then heat them through in the prepared cranberry sauce on the stovetop. It makes for super Easy Christmas Appetizers For A Party.
What Can I Serve With These Christmas Appetizers?
These meatballs are great on their own with toothpicks for serving. You can also serve them alongside a cheese and cracker platter, a fresh vegetable tray, or other favorite Holiday Party Appetizers. They are very versatile and pair well with many other dishes.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
As written, this recipe is not gluten free because it uses Panko breadcrumbs. However, you can easily adapt it. Simply substitute the Panko with your favorite gluten free breadcrumbs. Also, double check that your Worcestershire sauce is a gluten free variety, as some brands contain gluten.
Festive Cranberry Meatballs
These festive cranberry meatballs are a simple and flavorful appetizer for any holiday gathering. Tender beef meatballs are baked and then simmered in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, making them a true crowd-pleaser.
Requirements
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
For the Sauce:
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, Panko breadcrumbs, eggs, ⅓ cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Roll the mixture into approximately 32 medium-sized meatballs and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 160°F is reached.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, combine the cranberry sauce, 1 cup of ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently.
- Once cooked, transfer the baked meatballs directly into the skillet with the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs.
- Let the meatballs cook in the sauce for a few more minutes until heated through. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For parties, transfer the finished meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting to keep them at a good temperature for hours.
Do not overmix the meatball mixture. Mixing just until the ingredients are combined will result in more tender meatballs.
Feel free to customize the sauce. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat, or use a different jelly like apricot for a new flavor twist.
This recipe works well with ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef.
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