If you’re on the lookout for a festive appetizer that perfectly balances sweet and savory, this Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy, flavorful meatballs baked to perfection, then simmered in a luscious cranberry and brown sugar sauce, bring a mouthwatering burst of holiday cheer to your table. The combination of tender ground pork with tangy cranberry sauce makes these meatballs not only irresistible but also the kind of dish everyone will rave about at your gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking to impress, this recipe delivers delightful results with straightforward steps and ingredients you’ll love.

The image shows a close-up of a grey bowl filled with small, round meatballs covered in a thick, shiny red sauce. The sauce is rich and smooth, with bits of green parsley sprinkled on top for color contrast. A silver spoon lifts one meatball from the bowl, highlighting its moist texture and the way the sauce clings to it. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft, blurred lights in the background, giving a cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but pack a punch in flavor and texture, ensuring each bite of your Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is a holiday celebration. From the fresh parsley adding a pop of color, to the tangy cranberry sauce that keeps things bright and lively, each item plays an essential role.

2 large eggs: Bind the meat mixture together for perfectly shaped meatballs.
1/3 cup tomato ketchup: Adds a sweet, tangy base to the meatballs that complements the cranberry sauce.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Provides a gentle kick of spice without overpowering the dish.
1 small onion (grated or finely diced): Distributes sweet savory flavor evenly throughout the meatballs.
1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped): Brings freshness and a festive green touch.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without making the meatballs salty.
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor, balancing sweetness beautifully.
1 ½ lbs lean ground pork: The hearty base protein that keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred): Lightens the texture, ensuring the meatballs stay soft but hold their shape.
3 tbsp packed brown sugar (for the sauce): Sweetens the sauce naturally with a subtle molasses flavor.
2 cups cranberry sauce: The star ingredient adding tartness and vibrant color, key to the recipe’s holiday vibe.
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Brightens the sauce, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
1 cup tomato ketchup (for the sauce): Provides smoothness and a slight tang, enriching the cranberry sauce.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Start by setting your oven to 350℉ (175℃) so it’s perfectly preheated by the time your meatballs are ready. Lines your baking sheet with parchment paper—this simple step keeps things neat and stops the meatballs from sticking, making cleanup a breeze. It’s the little touches like this that make the process both easy and enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix and Form Meatballs

Next, take a large bowl and combine all the meatball ingredients: eggs, ketchup, black pepper, onion, parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, ground pork, and breadcrumbs. Mix everything thoroughly until it’s well incorporated. To shape your meatballs, wet your hands—it helps prevent sticking—and form about 32 evenly sized meatballs. For perfectly uniform spheres, a small ice cream scoop is your best friend here. This step sets the stage for even cooking and keeps things looking beautiful on the plate.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Place the meatballs on your baking sheet with space around each to allow even heat distribution. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. It’s important to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—160℉ signals your meatballs are safe to enjoy and perfectly juicy. This baking step locks in the flavors and gives a gentle crust that you’ll love biting into.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While the meatballs bake, turn your attention to the sauce. Grab a large skillet and stir together your brown sugar, cranberry sauce, lemon juice, and ketchup over medium heat. Let the mixture come to a boil so the flavors meld together into a glossy, rich sauce. Once bubbly, gently add your meatballs into the skillet, spooning sauce over them and letting everything warm through so the meatballs soak up that incredible cranberry sweetness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly, it’s time to serve. Sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top adds a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness, bringing the dish to life. Serve them warm so those festive cranberry flavors truly shine.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

A white bowl filled with about twelve round meatballs, each covered with a thick, shiny dark red sauce. The sauce pools around the meatballs, creating a glossy base layer. Fresh green parsley pieces are sprinkled evenly on top, adding small pops of color and texture. The bowl sits on a beige woven mat, all placed on a white marbled surface. The scene is close up, showing the moist texture of the meatballs and the rich sauce photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, adding an eye-catching green and a subtle herbal lift. For an extra festive touch, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a twist of citrus zest can elevate presentation and provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

These meatballs are fantastic on their own or paired with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery dinner rolls, or even a bright winter salad with kale and pomegranate seeds. The sweet-tart sauce pairs beautifully with neutral, comforting sides that balance the palate and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the meatballs on a festive platter lined with rosemary sprigs for that holiday wow factor, or skewer a few onto toothpicks for an easy-to-grab party appetizer. You can also offer the sauce on the side as a dipping option—perfect for letting guests customize their bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are just as delightful the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the meatballs are cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain their juicy texture.

Freezing

To enjoy this dish later, freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Portion them into single servings so you can easily thaw exactly how much you need, making your holiday entertaining stress-free.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure they warm through evenly without drying out, preserving that wonderful, saucy flavor combination.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs with ground beef instead of pork?

Absolutely! Ground beef works well too and will give the meatballs a slightly different texture and flavor. Just be sure to choose a lean variety to keep them tender and not too greasy.

Is there a vegetarian option for this Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe?

For a vegetarian twist, you could try making the meatballs with a mix of cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, and finely chopped vegetables. The cranberry sauce will remain a delicious highlight either way!

Can I use canned cranberry sauce or should it be homemade?

Canned cranberry sauce is perfect and keeps this recipe super simple. If you prefer, you can make your own homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste, but the convenience of canned works wonderfully here.

How spicy are these meatballs? Can I adjust the heat?

These meatballs feature a very mild spice level thanks to the black pepper. If you want a little more kick, feel free to add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the meat mixture.

What’s the best way to shape the meatballs evenly?

Using a small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop ensures every meatball is the same size, which helps them cook evenly and look picture perfect on any holiday platter.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe blends festive flavors and satisfying textures with easy steps that anyone can follow. They’re not just delicious—they’re a joyful way to bring people together around the table during the holiday season. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a beloved tradition you’re excited to share year after year.

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe