Savory Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer

As the aroma of savory Christmas cranberry meatballs wafts through the air, your senses are transported to a warm and inviting holiday gathering. The sweet and tangy flavors of fresh cranberries perfectly balance the richness of the meatballs, while the scent of rosemary and thyme fills the air, evoking feelings of comfort and nostalgia.

The perfect appetizer for your holiday party, these savory Christmas cranberry meatballs are a delicious twist on traditional meatballs. Unlike sweet brown sugar bacon smokies, which are perfect for a quick and easy snack, these meatballs offer a more sophisticated flavor profile that’s sure to impress your guests. Check out our sweet brown sugar bacon smokies appetizer recipe for a sweet and salty alternative: Savory Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer

Why This Recipe Works

• The combination of ground beef and pork provides a tender and juicy texture, while the addition of breadcrumbs helps to keep the meatballs light and airy.
• Using fresh cranberries instead of dried or frozen adds a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish.
• The rosemary and thyme add a savory and herbaceous note that complements the sweetness of the cranberries perfectly.

Key Ingredients

When it comes to choosing the right ingredients for your savory Christmas cranberry meatballs, it’s all about balance and harmony. For a comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect ingredients, check out our resources on Epicurious.

Look for fresh cranberries that are firm and plump, with no signs of mold or soft spots. You’ll also want to choose a good quality ground beef and pork, with a fat content of around 20%. This will help to keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Savory Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary

1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme

1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1 egg

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.

3

Add the cranberries, egg, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

4

Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet.

5

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Storage & Reheating

Once the meatballs are cooked, let them cool completely on a wire rack. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.