Description
Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for Christmas. Tender pork meatballs are baked and coated in a sweet-tangy cranberry sauce, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small onion, grated or finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
- For the Sauce: 3 tbsp packed brown sugar, 2 cups cranberry sauce, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 cup tomato ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine eggs, tomato ketchup, black pepper, onion, parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, ground pork, and breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into 1–inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 20–25 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned.
- While meatballs bake, prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, cranberry sauce, lemon juice, and tomato ketchup. Heat over medium heat until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove meatballs from oven and toss in the warm cranberry sauce until coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the meatball mixture.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in the sauce before serving.
- Perfect for serving with toothpicks at holiday parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American