Christmas Cranberry Meatballs: 5 Unforgettable Holiday Favorites

The holidays are busy enough, right? Between wrapping gifts, juggling school events, and trying to remember where you hid that last-minute present (check the closet… no, the other closet), sometimes dinner needs to bring joy and speed. That’s exactly where Christmas Cranberry Meatballs come in. Sweet, tangy, and just a little nostalgic, this dish is the holiday hug your kitchen’s been missing.

As someone who genuinely believes chicken makes the world go ’round—but also loves a festive detour—these meatballs became one of my go-to December recipes. I first made them for a family gathering after a hectic workweek, and let’s just say the platter came back cleaner than the kids’ Christmas stockings after the dog found them.

If you’re looking for something that feels special without requiring an elf-sized attention span, this recipe is for you.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

You know that moment in a holiday movie when everything suddenly feels warm, sparkly, and magical? These meatballs deliver that in food form. Here’s why they’re bound to become a new family tradition:

• Effortless prep: Just mix, scoop, bake, simmer.
• Holiday flavor magic: Cranberry sauce + brown sugar + ketchup = a dreamy glaze.
• Kid-friendly, adult approved: Sweet enough for picky eaters, savory enough for grown-ups.
• Perfect for parties: They hold beautifully on the stovetop or crockpot.
• Make-ahead friendly: Life saver for busy December nights.

And because the primary keyword matters for both taste and search engines—yes, these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs truly shine as the ultimate easy holiday appetizer or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

• 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 beef or turkey (or a mix of the two)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works beautifully)

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 2 cups cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup tomato ketchup

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, it makes cleanup easier and keeps the meatballs from sticking. And no one wants to be scraping a pan when there’s cocoa to drink.

Step 2: Mix and Form Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix everything until it looks cohesive and delicious (well, as delicious as raw meat can look).

Wet your hands, then roll the mixture into medium-sized meatballs—aiming for about 32 total.

Pro tip from my kitchen to yours: a small ice cream scoop keeps things uniformly sized. Because if your meatballs are the same size, they’ll cook evenly, and that means less guesswork on a busy day.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Place the meatballs on your prepared baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

This part is hands-off, so go wrap a present or simply stare at your Christmas lights and breathe. You deserve a moment.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While the meatballs bake, place a large skillet over medium heat and add all the sauce ingredients. Stir until everything is blended and the mixture starts to bubble.

Reduce the heat, then gently fold in the baked meatballs. Let them simmer until they’re heated through and the flavors marry together like a perfect holiday match.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and brightness. Serve warm—preferably before small hands sneak them off the tray one by one (I speak from experience).

Tips for Perfect Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

• Don’t pack the meat tightly when forming meatballs. Light hands = tender bites.
• If the sauce looks thin, let it bubble a little longer. It thickens nicely.
• Too lumpy? Don’t stress—holiday cooking isn’t about perfection. The flavors still shine.
• Want extra richness? Swap half the ketchup for chili sauce. It adds depth without heat.
• Make ahead: Bake the meatballs, refrigerate, and finish in the sauce on serving day. Boom—holiday magic.

A Little Personal Story

Years ago, when I started Chicken Magic Recipes, I didn’t expect beef or turkey meatballs to sneak into my holiday menu. But one December evening, between gift shopping and a marathon of “Elf,” I threw these together for a potluck.

When people started hovering over the dish like it was the star at Rockefeller Center, I knew I had something special. Now they show up at almost every holiday event—sometimes even more reliably than I do!

FAQs About Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Bringing Holiday Magic to Your Table

Making Christmas Cranberry Meatballs is like giving yourself the gift of delicious simplicity. They’re festive, comforting, and easy enough for even the busiest December days. Whether you’re feeding family, bringing a dish to a potluck, or sneaking a few while wrapping presents, these meatballs bring warm holiday cheer to every bite.

If you make them, let me know—your creations always brighten my day. Until then, happy cooking and even happier holidays from my Chicken Magic kitchen to yours.

More Festive Recipes to Make Your Holidays Even Merrier

If you loved these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs and want to keep the holiday magic going, I’ve got a few more delicious ideas you’re going to adore :

• For a cozy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug, check out my Christmas Stuffed Shells—they’re creamy, comforting, and perfect for a festive dinner.
• Craving more cranberry goodness? You’ll fall head over heels for the Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring—it’s flaky, fun, and one of those dishes everyone grabs “just one more slice” of.
• If you want something savory with a touch of sweetness, my Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef brings bold, holiday-worthy flavor to the table.
• And for an irresistible appetizer that disappears faster than cookies on Christmas Eve, don’t miss the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip—trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch.

Enjoy adding these to your holiday menu… and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

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