Chef Mitchell preparing Cranberry Glazed Meatballs
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Cranberry Glazed Meatballs recipe while experimenting with flavors for a holiday party. The balance of sweet and savory caught everyone's attention, and I've been perfecting it ever since. Each bite of these meatballs brings back memories of festive gatherings with friends and family. This dish has become a staple at my celebrations, bringing joy to everyone who tries it."

With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, I've specialized in American cuisine and appetizers. My passion lies in creating approachable yet impressive dishes that anyone can enjoy. I love to share my favorite recipes that bring people together around the table.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cranberry Glazed Meatballs served on a plate

Why This Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe Works

This Cranberry Glazed Meatballs recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors. The tartness of the cranberry sauce complements the savory meat, creating a unique taste experience. Additionally, they are quick to prepare and cook, making them ideal for busy hosts and last-minute gatherings.

The technique of blending ground meats with breadcrumbs and seasonings ensures a tender texture, while baking them allows for a healthy, reduced-fat option compared to frying. The glaze adds a glossy finish and enhances the flavor, making each meatball irresistible.

💡 Professional Tip

For even juicier meatballs, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the meat mixture. This small addition can enhance moisture content and overall flavor. Additionally, avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to have a delicious appetizer ready to go for your event. Simply bake them just before serving and add the glaze to enjoy fresh meatballs.

If you want to substitute ground pork, you can use additional ground beef or turkey. Both options will work well and still provide a delicious flavor. Alternatively, you could use chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. They should also be browned on the outside and firm to the touch.

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs or the cooked and glazed meatballs. To freeze uncooked meatballs, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. Cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cranberry Glazed Meatballs are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with toothpicks for easy eating. They pair well with a simple green salad or fresh vegetables. For a heartier option, consider serving them alongside rice or mashed potatoes.

Cranberry Glazed Meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and shape the meatballs ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake. This is a great way to save time on the day of your event.

The best way to reheat meatballs is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain their texture. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, covering them to prevent drying out.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The meatballs are dry and lack moisture.

Solution: Next time, try adding a bit more fat to the mix, such as olive oil or an additional egg. You can also consider adding grated vegetables like zucchini or finely chopped onion for extra moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The meatballs do not have a crispy exterior.

Solution: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking and try broiling them for the last few minutes of cooking to achieve a nice crust.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The meatballs are tough and overcooked.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove them from the oven as soon as they reach 165°F. Keep an eye on cooking time as ovens can vary.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The inside of the meatballs remains raw.

Recovery: If you find the center is undercooked, return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional few minutes. Using a thermometer can help ensure they reach the proper temperature next time.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outside of the meatballs are burnt.

Prevention: To avoid burning the meatballs, make sure to check them periodically while baking. You can also adjust the oven temperature lower if you notice they are browning too quickly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the meatballs are too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If the meatballs are too salty, try adding a bit of sugar to offset the saltiness or serve with a less salty side.

Bland: To fix bland meatballs, try adding more spices or herbs to the mixture or serve with a flavorful dipping sauce.

Fresh ingredients for Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

The key ingredients in this recipe are ground meats and cranberry sauce. The combination of beef and pork gives a rich flavor and ideal texture. Fresh herbs and spices enhance the overall taste, making each meatball flavorful.

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best results. Opt for fresh ground meats and natural cranberry sauce to ensure a delicious outcome. Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile, making the meatballs taste homemade.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ground Meats: Using a mix of ground beef and pork creates a juicy, flavorful meatball. You can adjust the ratio to your preference or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce is always best, but store-bought can work too. Look for varieties with no added preservatives to get the best flavor.
  • Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meat mixture and ensure a tender texture. For gluten-free options, you can use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Cooking process for Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Cranberry Glazed Meatballs is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps. By mixing the ingredients thoroughly and baking them, you achieve a healthier and equally delicious version of fried meatballs. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that elevates the dish.

For best results, ensure that the meatballs are evenly shaped for consistent cooking. The glaze should be applied generously to enhance the flavor. With a little practice, anyone can master this recipe and impress their guests.

Key Technique for Perfect Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

The most crucial technique for these meatballs is ensuring they are not overmixed. A gentle hand when combining ingredients yields tender meatballs. Additionally, the correct baking time and temperature ensure they cook through without drying out.

Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
    For the glaze
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    Adds umami flavor
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    Sweetens the glaze
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
    For tanginess
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    Enhances flavor depth

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
    For savory flavor
  • 1 lb ground pork
    Adds moisture
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
    Acts as a binder
  • 2 eggs
    For binding
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    Enhances flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Adds depth of flavor
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
    For freshness
  • 1 tsp salt
    Enhances all flavors
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
    Adds sweetness

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Mix Meatball Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix well until combined.

  3. Form Meatballs

    Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  4. Bake Meatballs

    Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

  5. Prepare Glaze

    In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and heated through.

  6. Glaze Meatballs

    Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish and pour the cranberry glaze over the top.

  7. Toss and Serve

    Gently toss the meatballs in the glaze to coat them evenly. Serve warm.

  8. Garnish

    Optional: Garnish with additional parsley before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to store them longer, consider freezing them for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are delightful on their own but can also be served with a dipping sauce for extra flavor. Pair them with fresh veggies or a light salad to balance the richness.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize the flavor of the meatballs by adding different herbs and spices, or even cheese. For a spicy kick, you can mix in some red pepper flakes or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.