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–+ servings
Quick Cranberry Meatballs

Quick Cranberry Meatballs for a Festive Holiday Treat

Quick Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect festive appetizer that impresses with sweet and savory flavors, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite during the holidays.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Pork Use 90-95% lean for juicy meatballs.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Acts as a binder for the mixture.
  • 1 Egg Helps to bind the ingredients together.
  • 1 small Onion Finely chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder can be a substitute.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Cranberry Sauce Jellied or whole berry varieties are perfect.
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Adjust based on your salt preference.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Balances the tartness of the cranberry.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce Optional but enhances flavor.
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Parsley Optional, adds color and fresh flavor.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine lean ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix gently until well incorporated.
  3. Shape the mixture into about 32 medium-sized meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until they reach 160°F and are lightly browned.
  5. In a skillet, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat until it gently boils.
  6. Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and stir to coat. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
  7. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the meatballs for garnish and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 18gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These meatballs are perfect for any festive occasion, elevating your holiday appetizers with ease and flavor.

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