Description
These Cranberry Glazed Meatballs feature a perfect balance of savory and sweet with tender meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a tangy cranberry chili glaze. Ideal as a festive appetizer or a comforting main dish when served over rice or mashed potatoes, this recipe is both easy to prepare and irresistibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cranberry Glaze
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- ½ cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space to cook evenly.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Cranberry Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until smooth and bubbling.
- Simmer the Glaze: Reduce the heat and let the glaze simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them into the saucepan with the glaze. Toss gently to coat each meatball evenly.
- Simmer Meatballs in Glaze: Continue to simmer the glazed meatballs on low heat for an additional 5–10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the sweet and tangy flavors.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry-glazed meatballs warm as an appetizer or pair them with rice or mashed potatoes to create a satisfying main course.
Notes
- For extra depth, add a dash of cinnamon or allspice to the cranberry glaze for a warm spice note.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen; simply thaw and reheat them in the glaze before serving.
- This recipe works well using turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
