If Christmas Cranberry Meatballs aren’t already on your holiday menu, get ready—they’re about to earn a permanent spot. These sweet-tangy, saucy little bites bring the perfect blend of comfort and cheer, all wrapped into one easy dish. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, feeding hungry kids between gift-wrapping marathons, or looking to bring something unforgettable to the office potluck, this recipe is your new December hero.
And in true Chef Omar fashion, we’re keeping things fun, flavorful, and delightfully doable—even for the busiest home cooks.
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Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
There’s something magical about this dish. The Christmas Cranberry Meatballs hit every note: savory, sweet, bright, and boldly festive. They’re simple enough for a cozy night in, yet impressive enough for your holiday gathering. Plus, your kitchen will smell like a merry little bistro—which, honestly, is half the joy of holiday cooking.
And if you’ve ever hosted hungry guests (or hungry kids) during the holidays, you know the value of a recipe that’s low-stress, hands-off, and universally adored. This one checks every box.
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Before we dive into the steps, here’s everything 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)
- 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: Preheat and Prep
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me—holiday dishes pile up fast, and parchment paper saves you from scrubbing when you’d rather be sipping cocoa.
Step 2: Mix & Roll
Combine all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Mix until it comes together.
Wet your hands and roll into medium-sized balls—shoot for about 32.
Chef tip: Use a small ice cream scoop for perfectly even meatballs. Even cooking = zero holiday stress.
Step 3: Bake
Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they reach 160°F internally.
This is the perfect moment to wrap a last-minute gift or take a deep breath by the Christmas tree. Chef’s orders.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cranberry sauce, lemon juice, and ketchup. Stir until it simmers.
Once the mixture bubbles slightly, lower the heat, fold in the baked meatballs, and let them simmer until the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness and makes them look holiday-party ready. Serve warm—preferably before small hands swipe them off the tray (speaking from experience).
Chef Omar’s Tips for the Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Want deeper flavor? Mix beef and turkey. The combo creates a tender, juicy texture.
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash of water to loosen it up. It’ll still cling perfectly.
- Too tangy? Add an extra spoonful of brown sugar to balance the cranberry.
- Batch cooking? These freeze beautifully—just don’t simmer with the sauce until reheating.
A little secret from my own kitchen: these became a staple after I made them for unexpected guests one snowy December night. I tossed everything together on a whim, and the empty platter at the end said everything. They’re that good.
FAQs About Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Can I make these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them. Reheat in the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
Can I swap the cranberry sauce for something else?
If you’re out of cranberry sauce, grape jelly works surprisingly well in a pinch. It keeps that sweet-tangy vibe.
Do they work as a main dish?
Oh yes. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or even buttered noodles for a holiday-worthy dinner.
How long do leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, they keep for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
If you’re in a rush, yes. Just simmer them longer in the sauce so the flavors soak in.
A Festive Final Bite
There’s a reason these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs shine at every holiday gathering—they’re flavorful, comforting, and so simple to make that you can enjoy the season instead of getting stuck in the kitchen. Whether you’re decking the halls or hosting a cozy winter movie night, this dish brings the warm, joyful spirit of the holidays straight to your table.
Ready to create some magic in your kitchen? Let these festive meatballs be the start. Happy cooking, friends!
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If these festive Christmas Cranberry Meatballs made your holiday table a little brighter, you’re going to adore these other cozy, feel-good dishes. They pair beautifully with your appetizer spread, add variety to your dinner menu, and—best of all—keep the holiday magic going in your kitchen. Here are a few favorites your friends and family will be begging you to make next:
- Warm, hearty, and perfect for chilly evenings, this comforting Hamburger Potato Casserole makes an amazing side or next-day dinner.
- Craving something sweet after all that savory goodness? These irresistible Butterfinger Balls are a no-bake treat everyone will devour—hide a few for yourself!
- Want another easy crowd-pleaser? Try this flavor-packed One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies that practically cooks itself.
- If you’re looking for something lighter but still full of flavor, this refreshing Red Lentil Salad is the perfect balance to your holiday tableFeel free to add these to your festive lineup—they’re all delicious, simple, and guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your season. Happy cooking!
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 32 meatballs (about 6–8 servings) 1x
Description
These festive Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Juicy baked meatballs simmer in a rich cranberry sauce, making them an irresistible appetizer or holiday party favorite.
Ingredients
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)
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
For the Sauce
3 tbsp packed brown sugar
2 cups cranberry sauce
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup tomato ketchup
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients until well combined.
With damp hands, roll the mixture into medium-sized meatballs, aiming for about 32 pieces.
Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
While the meatballs bake, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add all sauce ingredients and stir until the mixture begins to bubble.
Reduce heat and gently fold the baked meatballs into the sauce. Let them simmer until fully coated and warmed through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform meatballs that cook evenly.
Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
These freeze beautifully—just store the baked meatballs separately and add them to fresh sauce when reheating.
Perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, or as a sweet-and-savory dinner over rice or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked + Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 440 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg