Name: Cranberry Meatball Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 145 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef; 22 saltine crackers, crushed; 1/3 cup dry minced onion; 2 eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup milk; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 14 oz. can whole cranberry sauce; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup quality hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons Franks Buffalo Hot WINGS Sauce (or more to taste); 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Introduction to Cranberry Meatball Recipe

Why Homemade Cranberry Meatballs?

If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that bursts with flavor, look no further than this Cranberry Meatball Recipe. What sets homemade meatballs apart from store-bought options? For starters, you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about preparing a dish from scratch that will impress your friends and family.

When you whip up your own Cranberry Meatballs, you can infuse them with your favorite spices, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs simmering in a sweet and spicy cranberry sauce made with quality ingredients like hoisin and hot wings sauce. Not to mention, they’re super easy to prepare in a slow cooker, making them an ideal choice for stress-free entertaining.

Want to make your hosting experience even easier? You can prepare these meatballs ahead of time or even freeze them for later use. With just a little planning, you can create a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for holiday parties or casual get-togethers. So, let's dive into how to make these delightful morsels!

Ingredients for Cranberry Meatballs

Essential Ingredients for the Meatballs

Creating those delectable meatballs starts with the right foundation. For our Cranberry Meatball Recipe, you’ll need:

2 pounds of lean ground beef
22 crushed saltine crackers (trust us, it adds texture!)
⅓ cup of dry minced onion
2 beaten eggs for binding
½ cup of milk to keep them moist
2 teaspoons of ground ginger
2 teaspoons of garlic powder for a flavor kick
1 teaspoon of salt and a dash of pepper

These basic ingredients come together to make juicy, flavorful meatballs that will be the star of your next gathering.

Ingredients for the Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Sauce

Now, let’s talk sauce—the irresistible sweet and spicy coating that elevates your meatballs. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 (14 oz) can of whole cranberry sauce
¼ cup of ketchup for sweetness
¼ cup of quality hoisin sauce (Kikkoman or Lee Kum Kee work great)
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of Frank's Buffalo Hot Wings Sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons of brown sugar for that caramelized sweetness
1 teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger for a flavor balance

With these ingredients, you'll create a sauce that’s not just good—it’s a game changer! Combine them and let the magic happen in your slow cooker or on the stovetop!

By the time you're done, your Cranberry Meatball Recipe will be the talk of the town. Happy cooking!

Preparing Cranberry Meatballs

When it comes to hosting gatherings or simply treating yourself to a delightful dish, these Cranberry Meatballs are a must-try! They’re not just delicious but also super easy to make. Let’s walk through the preparation step by step so you can create them with confidence!

Gather and prepare ingredients

Before you dive into the mixing bowl, head to your kitchen and gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the meatballs and the sweet and spicy cranberry sauce:

Meatballs: lean ground beef (2 pounds), crushed saltine crackers (22), dry minced onion (⅓ cup), beaten eggs (2), milk (½ cup), ground ginger (2 tsp), garlic powder (2 tsp), salt (1 tsp), pepper (¼ tsp).
Cranberry Sauce: whole cranberry sauce (1 can), ketchup (¼ cup), hoisin sauce (¼ cup), soy sauce (2 tbsp), hot wings sauce (2 tbsp), red wine vinegar (2 tbsp), brown sugar (2 tbsp), garlic powder (1 tsp), ground ginger (½ tsp).

Make sure to have your favorite mixing bowls and cooking utensils ready so that you can dive right in!

Mix the meatball ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. It’s important to mix them well without overworking the meat. You want to ensure the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the meatballs tender. A fork or your hands works great here. Once everything is well combined, it’s time to shape the mixture into meatballs.

Shape the meatballs

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the meat mixture into balls of your desired size. Typically, a one-inch diameter is perfect for bite-sized appetizers. Once shaped, place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with foil, a baking rack, or parchment paper.

Bake the meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake those meatballs for about 8 minutes or until they’re lightly browned. This step helps to seal in the flavors and keeps them juicy, making them a delightful addition to any gathering.

Prepare the cranberry sauce

While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the cranberry sauce ingredients in a separate bowl. Start with the whole cranberry sauce and mix in the ketchup, hoisin, hot wings sauce, and the rest of the ingredients. Adjust the spiciness by adding more hot wings sauce if you like it fiery!

Combine meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker

After baking, it’s time to bring everything together. Line the bottom of your slow cooker with a layer of meatballs, followed by a layer of your sweet and spicy cranberry sauce. Repeat with any remaining meatballs and sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 2-4 hours, gently stirring halfway through to make sure every meatball gets coated with that delicious sauce.

Enjoy your Cranberry Meatballs warm as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that your friends and family will rave about! When you serve this dish, you’re bound to have everyone asking for the recipe!

Variations on Cranberry Meatballs

Turkey Bacon Alternative

For a lighter twist on your Cranberry Meatball Recipe, consider swapping out regular bacon for Turkey Bacon. This option reduces the fat while still providing that beloved smoky flavor. You can chop the turkey bacon into bits and mix it into your meatball mixture, or use it as a topping. It's a great way to keep things healthier without sacrificing taste!

Chicken Ham Option

If you're seeking a different flavor profile, try using Chicken Ham instead of the traditional beef. This option brings a pleasant, savory twist to your meatballs while keeping them tender and juicy. Simply substitute the beef with shredded or diced chicken ham in the recipe, ensuring a delightful taste that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy cranberry sauce.

Whichever variation you choose, these meatballs are sure to wow at your next gathering!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Cranberry Meatballs

Tips for achieving tender meatballs

For tender and juicy meatballs, don't overmix your ingredients. Gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs (or crushed saltines), and seasonings just until blended. Using a light hand when forming the meatballs is key—this helps retain moisture. If you find your meatball mixture is too dry, add a splash more of milk or an extra egg for binding. Baking them briefly before adding them to the sauce can also help keep them soft and prevent them from becoming too dense.

How to customize the level of spiciness

To tweak the heat level in your Cranberry Meatball Recipe, start with a smaller amount of hot sauce in the cranberry sauce, about 1 tablespoon. You can always add more later! If you prefer an extra kick, try incorporating some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper directly into the meatball mix. Those who love a milder flavor can swap the hot sauce for a sweet chili sauce for a different twist that maintains the sweetness of the dish.

For more tips on heating up your meals, check out this spice guide for ideas!

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Meatballs

Best Side Dishes or Accompaniments

When serving your Cranberry Meatballs, pairing them with the right sides can elevate the meal. Consider these delicious options:

Fluffy Rice: A bed of white or brown rice absorbs the sweet and spicy sauce, complementing the meatballs beautifully.
Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the meatballs.

Creative Ways to Serve at Gatherings

Want to wow your guests? Here are a few fun ideas:

Meatball Sliders: Serve meatballs on mini buns topped with a slice of cheese for a delightful slider.
Meatball Skewers: Thread meatballs with colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes and bell peppers for a festive presentation.
Appetizer Platter: Create a buffet-style spread with toothpicks, allowing guests to grab signature meatballs easily.

These suggestions will surely impress at your next gathering! Celebrate with this Cranberry Meatball Recipe in style!

Time Breakdown for Cranberry Meatballs

Preparation Time

The fun starts here! You’ll spend about 25 minutes gathering your ingredients and mixing those flavors together.

Cooking Time

Once your meatballs are prepped, let them soak up all the goodness as they cook in the slow cooker. This takes about 2 hours on low heat, which is perfect for your next gathering.

Total Time

Put it all together, and you’re looking at a grand total of 2 hours and 25 minutes. Just enough time to sip on a cozy drink and mingle before your guests arrive!

If you're interested in more delightful recipes, check out How to Make Meatballs the Right Way for insights on perfecting your favorite meaty creations!

Nutritional Facts for Cranberry Meatballs

When diving into this Cranberry Meatball Recipe, it's essential to know what you're indulging in. Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional profile per serving, which makes these delightful bites a guilt-free pleasure at any gathering!

Calories

Each serving of these scrumptious meatballs contains approximately 180 calories, making them a satisfying yet manageable option for your appetizer spread.

Protein

Packed with flavor and nutrition, each serving provides about 12 grams of protein. This makes Cranberry Meatballs a great choice for fueling your day, especially if you're on the go!

Sodium

However, keep in mind that these tasty meatballs do carry some sodium, with about 400 milligrams per serving. If you're watching your sodium intake, you might consider a light sprinkle of seasoning instead of relying solely on the sauces.

Exploring the nutritional content not only satisfies your taste buds but helps you make more informed choices when serving these delightful appetizers at your next gathering!

FAQ About Cranberry Meatballs

Can I make Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the meatballs and bake them for just five minutes to get them started. Once cooled, layer them in your slow cooker with the sauce, cover, and refrigerate until needed. When you're ready to serve, simply cook them until heated through. This prep-ahead option makes entertaining a breeze!

How do I store leftover Cranberry Meatballs?

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), let the meatballs cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready for a snack.

Can I use store-bought meatballs instead?

Yes, you can! While the homemade meatballs bring that extra deliciousness, using your favorite store-bought meatballs can save time. Just add equal parts of sauce and frozen meatballs to your slow cooker or stovetop, and let them simmer until everything is heated through.

Check this article for more ways to enjoy meatballs!

Conclusion on Cranberry Meatballs

Your search for the ultimate Cranberry Meatball Recipe ends here! These flavorful meatballs are not just easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Perfect for cozy nights or festive occasions, they bring warmth and deliciousness to your table. Don’t hesitate—make them today!