If you’re looking for a festive appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for holiday gatherings, you’re going to love this Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone around the table, thanks to its sweet-tangy glaze and juicy, tender meatballs dotted with dried cranberries. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple at your Christmas parties!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The cranberry sauce adds a festive sweetness that complements the savory beef meatballs beautifully.
Easy and Quick to Make: Using the microwave for cooking saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Simple Ingredients You Can Find Anywhere: No fancy or hard-to-find items needed – perfect for last-minute holiday prep.
Versatile Serving Options: These meatballs work as appetizers, party snacks, or even a festive main dish.

Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, holiday meatball appetizer, cranberry glaze meatballs, festive Christmas party recipes, easy holiday appetizers - A white rectangular ceramic dish filled with two layers of shiny brown meatballs covered in a rich red sauce. The meatballs are round and slightly textured, sitting close together in the dish. A large silver spoon rests inside the dish, scooping one meatball, showing the softness and the thick sauce coating it. The dish is placed on a beige woven cloth on top of a wooden surface with a grid pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe has a purpose, blending to create that crave-worthy holiday flavor. Let me walk you through why I stick with these, and what to look for when picking them up.

Eggs: They’re the binder that keeps your meatballs together without making them dense.
Onion Soup Mix: Adds seasoning depth without needing a dozen separate spices—such a time saver.
Seasoned Bread Crumbs: Absorb moisture and give the meatballs a tender bite.
Dried Cranberries: I love how these little bursts of tartness play off the sweetness of the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the meatballs with a touch of herby freshness.
Lean Ground Beef: I recommend 90% lean to keep them juicy without too much fat.
Whole-Berry Cranberry Sauce: The star of the sauce, it’s sweet, slightly tart, and visually festive.
Ketchup: Adds tang and balances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor in the sauce and keeps it luscious.
Brown Sugar: Just the right hit of molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
Chopped Onion: Adds texture and a slight bite to the sauce.
Cider Vinegar: Lifts up the sauce with a bright, tangy note.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to keep this recipe pretty classic for Christmas, but I’m all about making it your own. Changing up the herbs or swapping beef for turkey works wonderfully, and adding a touch of heat is a fun twist.

Variation: When I made these with ground turkey once, they turned out lighter but still super tasty and juicy—plus, great for those who want a leaner option.
Herb Swaps: Sometimes I add a pinch of rosemary or thyme in the meat mixture for extra holiday flair.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, a dash of cayenne pepper in the sauce makes an unexpected yet delightful contrast.
Vegetarian Option: Try substituting meatballs with firm baked falafel or veggie balls and the cranberry sauce as-is—you’d be surprised how well it works!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients Gently

Start with a large bowl. Combine the eggs, onion soup mix, seasoned bread crumbs, chopped dried cranberries, and fresh parsley. Then add the ground beef. I like to mix everything lightly with my hands or a spoon—if you overwork the meat, your meatballs can get tough, and that’s no fun.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. They should be uniform in size so they cook evenly. Pro tip: wet your hands lightly with water first to prevent sticking—it makes shaping so much smoother!

Step 3: Quick Microwave Cooking

This step might surprise you, but it’s a total game changer for ease! Place about a third of the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with waxed paper, and cook on high for 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Drain on paper towels and repeat with the remaining meatballs. This speeds things up and keeps them tender.

Step 4: Make the Cranberry Sauce and Heat Through

In a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl, mix the whole-berry cranberry sauce, ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, chopped onion, and cider vinegar. Microwave covered for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway. Then gently stir in the meatballs, cover again, and microwave for another 1-2 minutes until everything is hot and melded together perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Meat: I’ve learned that the gentler you mix, the juicier your meatballs stay—so be light on your hands!
Microwave in Batches: Cooking meatballs all at once in the microwave leads to uneven cooking; dividing into smaller batches does the trick.
Use Whole-Berry Sauce: The little bursts from whole cranberries add texture and a fresh flavor boost that I absolutely love.
Cover When Heating: This keeps moisture locked in so the meatballs don’t dry out—nobody wants dry meatballs at their holiday party!

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the meatballs before serving — it adds a pop of color and a fresh note. Sometimes, I add a few whole cranberries on top just for that extra festive flair and chew.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair beautifully with a simple green salad or creamy mashed potatoes if you want something comforting. For parties, I often set them out with toothpicks alongside crusty bread and some cheese for a festive spread everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange the meatballs in a big festive platter with sprigs of rosemary and cranberries scattered around. Another favorite is serving them in little mini crockpots at each table keeping them warm and cozy, perfect for mingling guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I do this, the flavors actually deepen overnight, which is a happy accident if you ask me. Just make sure they’ve cooled fully before storing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, these freeze beautifully! I flash-freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag with the sauce separately. They can last up to 2 months this way.

Reheating

To reheat, I thaw in the fridge overnight and microwave covered until warm, stirring halfway through. This keeps the sauce glossy and the meatballs juicy—and no one will be able to tell they weren’t fresh-made.

FAQs

Can I bake these meatballs instead of microwaving?

Absolutely! If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 15-18 minutes or until cooked through. Just be sure to watch so they don’t dry out.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs mixture a day ahead, shape them, and keep them covered in the fridge. Then cook and finish the sauce on the day you’re serving for maximum freshness.
What’s the best ground beef to use?

I recommend 90% lean ground beef—it balances flavor and fat to keep the meatballs juicy without being greasy.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

You could try, but fresh cranberries are more tart and watery, which might affect texture and moisture in the meatballs. Dried cranberries provide the chewy sweetness that really complements the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for large crowds?

Definitely! The recipe yields about 3 dozen meatballs, making it perfect for holiday parties or potlucks. You can easily double it if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe has earned a special place on my holiday table because it’s simple, festive, and wildly delicious. Every year when I make it, the sweet-tangy sauce combined with the juicy meatballs gets everyone asking for seconds—and I’m always happy to share! I hope you give it a try and see just how quickly it wins over your family and friends too. Trust me, this is one holiday recipe you’ll keep coming back to.