Why Make This Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – High Protein Holiday Appetizer
The holiday season beckons for festive gatherings and joyful feasts, often filled with rich flavors and heartwarming traditions. What better way to celebrate than with Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs? This dish melds the sweet-tart essence of cranberries with savory meatballs, creating a delightful appetizer that pleases every palate. Not only do these meatballs provide a burst of flavor, but they also pack a protein punch, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious holiday revelers. Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to share, these meatballs can quickly become the star of the table!
How to Make Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – High Protein Holiday Appetizer
Making Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs is remarkably simple, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. This recipe offers two approaches: using store-bought frozen meatballs for a quick prep or creating your high-protein meatballs from scratch. Whichever path you choose, the combination of cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and seasonings creates a mouthwatering glaze that infuses each meatball with holiday spirit.
Ingredients:
- 14 oz jellied cranberry sauce (1 can)
- 12 oz chili sauce (1 bottle, Heinz recommended)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
- 64 oz frozen pre-cooked meatballs (2 bags, beef or turkey)
- 2 pounds extra lean ground beef or ground turkey breast (93/7 or leaner, for homemade option)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat, at room temperature, for homemade option)
- 2 large eggs (for homemade option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or oat flour (for homemade option)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for meatballs)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for meatballs)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for meatballs)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for meatballs)
Directions:
In a large 12-inch skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. The sauce is ready when the cranberry sauce has fully melted and the color is a uniform deep red with a syrup-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
If using store-bought frozen meatballs, add both bags directly into the hot sauce without thawing. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are heated through completely. The sauce will thicken to a glossy consistency.
For homemade high-protein meatballs, preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, room temperature Greek yogurt, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Don’t overmix or the meatballs will be tough. Form into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Transfer the baked homemade meatballs to the prepared sauce and simmer together for 10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meatballs. Transfer everything to a serving bowl or slow cooker set to warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 20 servings):
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 12g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portions.)
How to Serve Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – High Protein Holiday Appetizer
These meatballs shine as a holiday appetizer or a hearty addition to your main meal. Serve them warm in a festive bowl, drizzling extra sauce over the top for an appealing presentation. Pair them with toothpicks for easy snacking or serve with crunchy crackers and veggie platters for a delightful spread. They also work well as a filling for sliders, adding a festive twist to your typical holiday fare!
How to Store Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – High Protein Holiday Appetizer
Leftover Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’ve made a large batch or want to prepare them in advance, simply follow the same storage method. For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs in the sauce. Just make sure to keep them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – High Protein Holiday Appetizer
- When making homemade meatballs, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a well-combined mixture.
- Use a cookie scoop for perfectly-sized meatballs that bake evenly.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by reducing the brown sugar or adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
- For a slightly spicy version, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture.
Delicious Variations
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the meatball mixture for added flavor and freshness.
- BBQ Cranberry Meatballs: Swap the chili sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile that still retains the sweetness of cranberries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you’ll need to cook them down with some sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency. This will require additional cooking time.
2. Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These meatballs store well in the fridge and freezer, making them perfect for meal prep. Just reheat them when ready to enjoy!
3. Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour to make them gluten-free.
4. How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce?
Feel free to add some chopped onions, bell peppers, or even a bit of ginger to the sauce while it simmers to add depth and complexity to the flavor.
5. What can I serve alongside these meatballs?
Pair them with a refreshing salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to complement the rich flavors of the meatballs.
6. How can I tell if the meatballs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F, ensuring they are safe to eat.
7. Can I use other types of meat?
Certainly! Ground chicken or pork can be used instead of beef or turkey for a different flavor profile.
8. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time if they are going directly from the fridge.
9. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered, or mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to thicken it more efficiently.
10. Are there low-carb options for these meatballs?
You can make these meatballs using ground turkey and omit the brown sugar from the sauce to make them more compatible with a low-carb diet.
Conclusion
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful addition to your holiday menu, offering both taste and nutrition. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can impress your guests without added stress. This high-protein appetizer not only satisfies hungry guests but also gives a festive flair to any gathering. We encourage you to try this recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations! Happy cooking and enjoy the warmth of the holidays!
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- In a large 12-inch skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
- If using store-bought frozen meatballs, add both bags directly into the hot sauce without thawing. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For homemade high-protein meatballs, preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, room temperature Greek yogurt, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Transfer the baked homemade meatballs to the prepared sauce and simmer together for 10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meatballs.
- Transfer everything to a serving bowl or slow cooker set to warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.